Sen. Cory Booker Critiques Trump Over SNAP Funding During Government Shutdown
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has called out President Donald Trump regarding the impact of the government shutdown on food stamp programs, alleging that Trump is “withholding funds because he wants to cause maximum suffering to the American people.”
While Senate Democrats are opposing the Clean Continuation Resolution (CR) passed by the House, Booker took to social media to urge Trump to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds to support “our children, vulnerable populations, and neighbors.”
Booker stated in a video on X, “Currently, the Trump administration has informed all states, including New Jersey, that it will cease SNAP payments. They have billions available for these payments and are choosing not to use them.”
He referenced an article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agency overseeing SNAP, claims it must depend on reserve funds to finance welfare programs, which may run out by November 1st.
The USDA, led by a secretary appointed by Trump, has nearly two-thirds of the necessary funds for a month’s worth of benefits in its emergency fund. The center insists that these funds must be immediately released as mandated by the SNAP Act to help families secure food for the upcoming month.
“SNAP serves as a vital lifeline for 42 million Americans, most of whom are children, providing food assistance,” Booker emphasized. “Over 850,000 individuals in my state depend on SNAP. Trump is withholding these funds to inflict pain on the American people, likely for political gain.”
He added, “This isn’t just a political issue; it’s a human issue. This is urgent. We must make sure Trump releases funds for our children, vulnerable groups, and neighbors to eat. Stop the misinformation about our capabilities and responsibilities. This reflects who we are as a people.”
Amid the situation, Democratic leaders are not willing to engage in negotiations as Senate Republicans are considering a vote on the CR. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has introduced a bill intended to secure funding for SNAP during the shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) mentioned that discussions among senators regarding “several options” are happening, though no concrete plans have been set yet.
“If it doesn’t reach a vote, I’ll bring it to the floor and work to consolidate it or achieve unanimous consent,” Hawley remarked regarding his bill.
