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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to expire tomorrow, Nov. 1, as the ongoing U.S. government shutdown threatens to cut off vital food stamp benefits for millions of Americans. SNAP provides critical food assistance to low-wage working families, low-income seniors, people with disabilities and others struggling with poverty. For many recipients, these benefits are their primary source of funds for food. Local 4 aimed to capture where Michigan’s lawmakers stand amid this critical budget battle. We reached out to eight members of Congress from both parties, along with Michigan’s two Democratic senators. Four lawmakers, Dingell, Tlaib, Thanedar and Peters, participated in interviews, while five others provided statements. Rep. John James has not responded to requests so far. Democrats said they plan to fight for an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that help millions pay for health care through the ACA marketplace. Those credits are set to expire in December. They also pointed out that open enrollment begins in most states Nov. 1 -- meaning families are making health care decisions now. Republicans are united in passing a resolution to reopen the government and say they will address the health care credits afterward. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-12th District, told Local 4, “We can be efficient. We can protect people’s healthcare. Make sure we have food assistance.” She wants both issues addressed at the same time. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-5th District, said in a statement, “Because Senate Democrats refuse to pass the clean government funding bill, low-income families in Michigan will not receive their SNAP benefits come Nov. 1.” But Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-6th District, told Local 4 both sides should be talking. “How about getting this to the table and talking to each other?” The Republican-led House passed a resolution to keep the government open through Nov. 21, but the clock is ticking on that proposal. As the debate continues in the Capitol and across the country, here is more reaction from Michigan lawmakers shared with Local 4: “Many of Michigan’s most vulnerable families may lose SNAP benefits next week for one simple reason: Democrats refuse to reopen the government. It’s time to ask Senators Slotkin and Peters, who have voted 13 times to keep the government shut down, why they are using innocent Michiganders as political pawns instead of passing the funding bill I supported more than a month ago to deliver paychecks and benefits immediately.” Rep. Tom Barrett (R) “House Republicans voted to keep the government open and ensure SNAP benefits continue. Democrats voted thirteen times to shut it down and even admitted they’re using Michiganders’ suffering as leverage. That’s disgusting. Michigan’s Senators must stop using the 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on SNAP as pawns in their political games.” Rep. Lisa McClain (R) “Because Senate Democrats refuse to pass the clean government funding bill, low-income families in Michigan will not receive their SNAP benefits come November 1. Democrats have now voted over a dozen times against the nonpartisan continuing resolution, which would fund regular monthly benefits for SNAP recipients and pay troops and air traffic controllers, too. Hardworking Michiganders should not be forced to suffer so that Democrats can play political games in Washington. I urge my Democratic colleagues to rejoin us at the table, pass the clean CR, and reopen the government." Rep. Tim Walberg (R) “SNAP is a lifeline for 1.4 million Michigander. Nearly half of them families with children, who are already struggling with rising food costs fueled by Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs. I introduced the No Tariffs on Groceries Act to help lower food prices and protect hard-working families fighting to put food on the table. While Republicans play politics with hunger, I’m fighting for a deal that actually works for Michigan. One that delivers affordable health care and makes sure no one in our state goes hungry." Rep. Haley Stevens (D) "Here’s the reality if the republicans aren’t there we can’t vote. We have been out of session for five weeks. I have gone to Washington each week and have been there with our leadership ready, willing, and wanting to do bipartisan discussions. You hear very mixed signals coming from the senate side about whether Junthoon would even let there be a vote on the SNAP proposal. But here’s the reality, the money’s there. It exists in a federal contingency fund. I’m worried about children, I’m worried about seniors -- I just think this is a cruel decision and we shouldn’t be playing games with hunger in this country. And there is a contingency fund that could be used." Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) "Right now republicans are keeping the government closed and shut down because they don’t want to fund health care, and ironically many of their families and communities that they represent actually benefit from those tax credits. And so we can do both. We have the $5 billion on the table for SNAP benefits, even if it’s for a few weeks. Let’s make sure our neighbors aren’t going hungry, but also let’s makes sure that we send the tax credits for an Affordable Care Act." Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D) “The president can provide resources because emergency funds are available, and clearly this is emergency, people need to have access to food. But to make it clear, I’ve introduced legislation that would make sure that we fund SNAP. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership did not wanna take that up on the floor, but that would have cleared it up once and for all. I’m confident if we had a chance to vote on it, it would pass. So it’s unfortunate we weren’t able to do that." Sen. Gary Peters (D) “44% of the children in my district live below poverty. Children need to be fed, the seniors, the disabled -- seniors, we’re caring for them. Now the food banks are going to be overwhelmed as a result of these snap cuts, but these cuts don’t have to happen. USDA has money available, contingency money. They can certainly use that. If they can give 40 billion dollars to bail out Argentina, they surely can spend $8 billion to make sure that there is no interruption in the SNAP benefits.” Rep. Shri Thanedar (D) “There is a contingancy fund for SNAP that was set up for this exact reason. So that we never use hunger for people as a weapon in any kind of political battle. It is there fo that reason, and President Trump and his party could absolutely open the taps today, this hour, if they wanted to. They are making a choice to hold that hostage when there’s a fund that is ready to go right now.” Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D) In Michigan, nearly 13% of households, about 1.4 million people, rely on federal SNAP benefits. Of those, 43% are families with children, and 36% include older adults or people with disabilities. Recipients receive their benefits loaded onto prepaid electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards every month. In 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 per month -- or about $173 per person. SNAP spending also supports local economies by generating revenue for stores, farmers and other businesses. Households far below the poverty line tend to receive more SNAP benefits than those closer to the poverty line, reflecting the program’s focus on those with the greatest need. In response to the SNAP pause, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to help feed affected families. This funding will support food assistance across all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those unable to visit local food banks. “Hungry families cannot wait for the folks in power in Washington, DC to do their jobs,” Whitmer said. “Today, in light of the USDA’s decision to freeze SNAP, the State of Michigan is taking action to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan so they can continue feeding families in all 83 counties and deliver food to those who are unable to drive. We take care of each other in Michigan, and we will continue bringing together public and private philanthropic resources to feed people as we hit day 30 of the federal government shutdown and approach the November 1 pause of SNAP.” SNAP participants with questions about their benefits should contact their local MDHHS office or check MI Bridges for updates. Additional resources include:
