Copyright The Boston Herald
Well Democrats, there goes your “leverage.” The government shutdown continues unabated despite the SNAP funding deadline. As the fractious factions on Capitol Hill careened closer to the impending cutoff in food stamp benefits, the question lingered: “they wouldn’t stop feeding Americans in need, would they?” Yes, they would. “I mean, shutdowns are terrible and of course there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have,” House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) said in a recent interview on Fox News. Both sides of the aisle are shamelessly putting party politics before people, despite knowing the consequences of their inaction. SNAP benefits stopped on Saturday. There’s a small ray of hope thanks to two federal judges ordering the Trump administration to use emergency funds to provide at least partial food stamp benefits in November. The president said late Friday that he’s instructed the administration’s lawyers to ask the courts how it can legally fund the benefits as quickly as possible, according to his Truth Social post. “Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out,” Trump added. And as CNN reported, “the money” may fall short, as the US Department of Agriculture’s contingency fund doesn’t have enough cash to cover the total cost. The only ones truly stepping up are the American people. News outlets around the country report individuals stocking food banks or donating directly to needy families. Stores and restaurants are providing food and/or funds to local food pantries. Americans are helping Americans because their government is dropping the ball. When the shutdown finally ends, and who knows how far off that will be, DC pols will be falling over themselves to assume the mantle of “hero” amid chaos. There is one lawmaker who is earning a passing grade, but not for ending the impasse. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced a constitutional amendment last week that would require Congressional members to forfeit their pay during a government shutdown. “If members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns and they would end quicker,” he said in a statement. “Not only should members of Congress not get paid during shutdowns, but the forfeited salaries should be used to pay down the federal debt,” Graham added. The senator announced he’s donating his paycheck to charity during the shutdown, and others on Capitol Hill are forfeiting pay until the government reopens. A good plan by Graham, and nice gestures from those who forgo cash while they hold up vital benefits for millions. Hungry families aren’t “leverage,” they’re people whom their government has betrayed unconscionably. Hopefully, and this is a big leap, some politicians will realize this and rediscover the lost art of consensus building. If Washington lawmakers need some inspiration on how to work for their constituents, they should look to the individuals and businesses doing their best to fill the gap created by their failure to pass a spending bill. Our fellow Americans are putting our politicians to shame.
