Murkowski Cosponsors Bill to Avoid SNAP Interruption During Government Shutdown
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has cosponsored legislation to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments continue uninterrupted should the government shutdown persist past October.
With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posting notice on its website stating that SNAP benefits will not be distributed on November 1 in the absence of a Continuing Resolution (CR) or appropriations bills, Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) Keep SNAP Funded Act would specifically appropriate funds to direct USDA to continue benefits without interruption.
“It is unacceptable that Alaskans are anxiously watching as the shutdown impasse continues, unsure if they’ll be able to receive their SNAP benefits by the end of the week,” said Senator Murkowski. “Over 66,000 Alaskans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, and this legislation will ensure that these benefits aren’t interrupted.”
“Needy families in Missouri should not be going hungry because a bunch of politicians in DC can't figure out how to open the government,” said Senator Hawley. “650,000 people in Missouri depend on help when it comes to the price of food and groceries. I don't want to see these folks go without food. I hope everybody will support this legislation.”
In addition to Senators Murkowski and Hawley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
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