The New York Republican Party has criticized Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, and the New York Democratic Congressional delegation for actions they say have led to a government shutdown and put food assistance at risk for millions of Americans. According to the party, nearly three million New Yorkers are among the 42 million people nationwide who could be affected by disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
A memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services states: “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 USDA document further notes that funding for November SNAP benefits has been halted due to the impasse in Congress.
NYGOP Chair Ed Cox issued a statement saying: “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.”
Cox added: “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.”
The USDA memo also warns that contingency funds or child nutrition funds cannot legally be redirected to cover SNAP shortfalls without risking other programs such as school meals and infant formula supplies.
Kathy Hochul is currently serving as governor of New York since 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party and is recognized as New York’s first female governor. More information about Governor Hochul can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Hochul.
