Americans turn to food banks, relatives amid longest US shutdown
Millions of Americans have turned to food banks and relatives for aid as the longest US shutdown takes its toll on the vulnerable.
The US government shutdown entered its 37th day on Thursday, the longest in US history.
The ongoing government shutdown has led to delayed payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports nearly 42 million people nationwide, forcing many Americans short on cash to seek aid from relatives and food banks.
However, the Trump administration on Monday said it will provide only half of the usual food stamp benefits. SNAP will “be obligated to cover 50 percent of eligible households’ current allotments” for November, according to a sworn statement from a US Department of Agriculture official submitted in federal court.
Delayed government payments have affected the livelihood of millions of federal workers as well, including law enforcement and members of the military.
President Donald Trump indicated on Friday evening that he wanted the food benefits to resume.
However, he also pointed out that it would take months for aid to reach the impoverished Americans. “Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out.”
“If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Meanwhile, Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to blame each other for the standoff.
"The victims of the Democrats’ shutdown are starting to pile up," Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Monday. "The question is how long are Democrats going to continue this. Another month? Two? Three?"
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer claimed that Trump's focus is not on the American people's plight.
"While Donald Trump is bragging about remodeling bathrooms at the White House, Americans are panicking about how they will afford healthcare next year," Schumer said, referring to a remodeling Trump unveiled on Friday.
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