Dear Friend,
 
On Friday, October 31st, federal judges in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the Trump Administration must continue to fund the food stamp program using the money they have available through emergency funds, which was signed into law by Republicans and Democrats in Congress, so that SNAP benefits would remain available in situations like the current government shutdown. These rulings are the result of lawsuits joined by both the State of Connecticut, led by Attorney General Tong, and the City of New Haven, led by Mayor Elicker, which sought to compel this Administration to abide by the law.
 
These rulings affirm what my Democratic colleagues and I have been calling attention to and fighting back against since President Trump caused this crisis: there is money available to fund SNAP. After stalling for a month, lying to the public, and doing everything in his power to avoid paying out food stamp benefits, President Trump continues to defy the law – most recently saying he will not allow food stamp benefits to flow until Democrats allow him to drive up Americans’ health care costs. Now, the Administration must release this emergency funding for SNAP to serve the almost 42 million Americans that rely on these benefits to feed themselves and their families.
 
I have repeatedly spoken to journalists and spokespeople to make sure they have the most accurate information when it comes to reporting on the billions available to pay food stamp benefits in the case of an emergency. That funding could flow immediately, but President Trump has instead chosen a cruel policy of starving American families, children, veterans and seniors. These people are not disposable pawns in their political games – these are Americans who will go hungry if these funds do not flow immediately.
 
On Monday, I joined with our district’s very own Christian Community Action Food Pantry to discuss these recent rulings and what it means for our community. I am so grateful for their righteous efforts and for everyone in our community who has come together and stood up to help their neighbors. To watch my full remarks at the press conference, please click here.

According to the Connecticut government, the 360,000 Connecticut residents who receive SNAP benefits each year will not receive their benefits on time this month. As a result of a recent release of funds from the federal government, WIC recipients still have access to benefits for at least the first couple weeks of November. 

If the Trump Administration wanted to, they could fully fund food assistance for November. They already used their legal authority to transfer $400 million from another fund under USDA to cover a different program. They have broad authority to do the same for SNAP. It does not have to be this way. We are in this situation because of a lack of political will on the part of the Trump Administration. I urge them to put politics aside and use the money they have available to ensure families do not go hungry.

Please rest assured, I will continue to fight to ensure that families who rely on these benefits can put food on their tables this month. For more information on SNAP benefits during a government shutdown, click here. If you or someone you know needs food immediately, please call 211 or visit their website at 211ct.org.

If you or your loved ones have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my district office in New Haven at (203) 562-3718 – my staff and I will do whatever we can to assist you.

To stay informed on future tele-town halls and my day-to-day work in Connecticut’s Third District and in Washington, D.C., please visit www.delauro.house.gov, subscribe to my newsletter here, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bluesky.               

                                                                                               Sincerely,