USDA Warns Millions Could Lose Food Stamp Benefits Amid Ongoing Shutdown
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that tens of millions of Americans could lose food stamp benefits next month if Senate Democrats continue blocking a funding deal. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1st,” the USDA’s homepage states, adding that “Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” The message accuses Democrats of prioritizing “healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures” over reopening the government so “mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
The shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats refused to approve a spending bill that excluded healthcare subsidies. Republicans argue Democrats want taxpayers to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants. About 42 million Americans depend on SNAP, which supported roughly 41.7 million people each month in 2024. The federal government spent nearly $100 billion on the program last year, with the average participant receiving about $187 per month. In the meantime, President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to use existing funds to pay military personnel during the shutdown. Reports also indicate that businessman Timothy Mellon donated $130 million to Trump’s political efforts, calling it a contribution from a “patriotic friend.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has blamed Senate Democrats for the ongoing shutdown, accusing them of pushing “wasteful” and “radical” priorities. “They want to give $200 billion in health benefits to illegal aliens and billions to foreign programs,” Johnson said, adding that their proposal would “cut $50 billion from rural hospitals.” As the shutdown nears a full month, he warned that 1.4 million federal employees — including TSA agents, Border Patrol, and air traffic controllers — have missed paychecks, calling the growing hardship “very real.”
