Sen. Hawley Proposes Protections For SNAP and Farmers During the Federal Shutdown

 

THE USDA says SNAP recipents would be paid in October but there ud a big question marknfor November. 


(TSN): Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, is fighting to  keep SNAP payments flowing during the government shutdowns. 


Hawley  has proposed legislation called the Keep SNAP Funded Act that would ensure uninterrupted funding during a lapse in federalnappropriatiins, effectively making a welfare program essential.


The bill would automatically appropriate the necessary funds so that SNAP benefit payments continue even if Congress has not passed a full budget or continuing resolution. 


The proposal is paired with a companion bill, the Fund Farm Programs Act, which would also  keep key agricultural/farm-service programs operating during a shutdown. 


Hawley asserts  it is a moral imperative to feed children and his constituents should not go hungry over a shutdown. 


Now  states are warning that SNAP benefits may not be able to be issued for the month of November if appropriations are not restored. Tge WIC program woukd also be jeopardized if fubding is  not secured by Nov. 1 and the longest shutdown in history continues. 


Keep in mind durung a shutdown, delays are possible for various reasons.