ALBANY – The New York Republican Party today called out Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and the New York Democratic Congressional delegation for shutting down the government and jeopardizing food assistance for 42 million Americans, including almost three million New Yorkers.

According to an official memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Congressional Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR) has halted funding for November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The USDA memo states plainly:

“Due to Congressional Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR), approximately 42 million individuals will not receive their SNAP benefits come November 1st.”

The full USDA document can be viewed here.

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement:

“Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries are playing politics with people’s food. Their reckless decision to block a clean funding bill has left 42 million Americans – including children, seniors, and working families – at risk of losing their November food benefits, just in time for Thanksgiving. It’s heartless, it’s irresponsible, and it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from New York’s radical Democratic delegation.”

“While Republicans are working to reopen the government and protect critical programs, Democrats are holding hungry families hostage to force through funding for healthcare for illegal immigrants.”

Background:

The USDA’s memo, Impact of the Government Lapse on November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Household Benefits, confirms that Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean CR has halted funding for all SNAP benefits beginning November 1. It also warns that contingency and child nutrition funds cannot legally be repurposed to cover the shortfall without endangering school meals and infant formula supplies.

Read the full USDA memo here.

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