WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration announced that approximately 42 million Americans may soon lose access to federal food assistance if Democrats don’t agree to end the government shutdown, prompting fears that millions could be temporarily forced to cook their own food.
According to a memo from the USDA, the agency lacks authority to shift funds internally to cover SNAP benefits, which cost about $8 to $9 billion per month — or roughly the price of a small congressional spending bill. “Due to Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution, millions may lose benefits,” the memo read, clarifying that the government can only feed people when it’s open.
Democrats, however, insisted the administration tap a $5 billion contingency fund, arguing that partial socialism is better than none. Economists warned that even brief exposure to employment could cause long-term side effects such as self-reliance and budgeting.
At publishing time, Democratic leaders were reportedly drafting a new resolution to ensure federal workers remain unpaid while food stamp recipients continue receiving direct deposits of moral superiority.
