Dear Friends, 

A full month into the government shutdown, the Trump Administration announced plans to block the release of congressionally approved funding for SNAP. Without these funds, nutrition benefits would lapse on Saturday, impacting the 360,000 residents across Connecticut who rely on this aid to put food on the table. I was glad to see a federal judge step in earlier today to order the continuation of SNAP. The Trump Administration must act swiftly to prevent a catastrophic and illegal lapse in benefits. 

To help keep families fed, Governor Lamont has released $3 million in funding to provide 6 million meals through Connecticut Foodshare. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to get connected with local food pantries and emergency food resources. For more information, my office has prepared a web page to answer your questions during this time of need. You can always reach out to us at 860-278-8888. This week, I joined Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and organizations like Foodshare, Hands on Hartford, and House of Bread, to connect residents with resources and call for action to protect SNAP from the President’s political games during this shutdown. You can view my remarks below. 

Refusing to act would result in 16 million kids nationwide, including 120,000 right here in Connecticut, being cut off from their benefits. While the White House declares a ballroom to be President Trump’s “main priority” and sends billions to bail out Argentina, it is shameful to watch this administration stand in the way of needed food assistance. Our entire delegation has been fighting in Congress to release these funds now. Attorney General William Tong took the fight to court on behalf of our state to keep kids fed. Together, we visited InterCommunity in East Hartford to hear directly from health care providers and food pantry operators on the real impact these threats have on the families they serve. 

Rep. Larson with Attorney General William Tong and InterCommunity President & CEO Kim Beauregard in East Hartford 

Donald Trump has a responsibility to keep benefits flowing to the seniors, children, and veterans who need them. He must follow the law. I will not give up this fight for Connecticut families. If you have been impacted by the government shutdown, Republican cuts to health care, or President Trump’s threats to SNAP nutrition benefits, I invite you to share your story here. 

If you have questions or need assistance from a federal agency, please reach out to my office at 860-278-8888. You can also visit our webpage about services available during the shutdown. To follow what I’m working on both in Washington and in Connecticut, visit my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or follow me on Instagram.     

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress