Friends, let’s talk about this disastrous GOP government shutdown by the numbers for a minute:

Six weeks: How long it’s been since Mike Johnson called the House into session. (Actually six weeks and two days.)
1.4 million: How many federal workers missed a full paycheck at the end of October.
1 in 8: How many Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table.
$6 billion: How much money Trump’s USDA is sitting on while they refuse to fund SNAP benefits.
65,000: How many kids served by Head Start who will be left without child care programming.
Nov. 15th: The date Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says we’ll be unable to pay our troops.

You get the idea. This is just horrific. It’s cruel, it’s chaotic, and the worst part is… it’s completely UNNECESSARY.

This kind of benefit cutoff has never happened before. Not once. Even during past shutdowns, programs like SNAP continued — because cutting off food for families, pregnant women, and babies was unthinkable.

But Trump and Republicans in Congress are breaking precedent (and the law) for programs that have always had bipartisan support. They’re choosing to let millions of children go hungry. It’s sick.

Let’s be 100% clear about how to fix this nightmare: Republicans control the House of Representatives. Republicans control the Senate. Republicans control the White House. They own this shutdown, and they need to end it.

The sad truth is that we can’t force Republicans to actually care about their constituents. But we can care for each other. If you’re able, please consider donating to or volunteering with a local food bank or mutual aid group near you. Here are a few places to start:

— Jewish Family Service

— San Diego Food Bank

Democrats are still fighting to reopen the government, protect health care, and fund programs families rely on. We’re showing up to work every day, and we’re not going to stop.

Thanks for looking out for your neighbors.

Sara