Dear Friend,

Our government’s most fundamental responsibility is to protect its citizens. Yet, amid the longest shutdown in United States history, the Trump administration is working overtime to withhold food stamps and ensure that vulnerable Americans go hungry.

With federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) running out, Donald Trump has refused to release contingency funding that Congress specifically set aside in case of this kind of emergency.

In the face of this cruel decision, several states, including Connecticut, stepped in to ensure that benefits are fully funded through November. In response, the Administration demanded that states “immediately undo” any actions to support SNAP recipients despite the federal lapse in funding.

The good news is that courts have now ordered the White House to release the emergency funds, and that, as of yesterday, Governor Lamont confirmed that all SNAP recipients in Connecticut received full funding for the month of November.

However, the Administration continues to appeal these decisions all the way to the Supreme Court, using every tool at their disposal to deprive hungry Americans of critical food assistance. The result of all of this is that tens of millions of Americans are facing uncertainty around whether they will be able to put food on the table.

I will continue working with state and local leaders to ensure that no family in Connecticut goes hungry because of Trump’s political agenda. I also firmly believe that Members of Congress should not get paid while the government is shut down and federal workers are missing paychecks. That’s why I’ve donated my salary from the last month in equal portions to two local non-profits that are working every day to offer services and support to low-income households in Fairfield County.

Though the federal government remains shut down, my offices are open and reachable at (203) 333-6600 to help you with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Jim