Copyright Newsweek
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has called on Speaker Mike Johnson to reopen the House of Representatives to vote on a bill aimed at funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as millions of Americans face potential interruptions in benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown. The legislation, introduced by Republican Senator Josh Hawley, has gained traction in the chamber, with the number of cosponsors increasing from 11 to 29. The Keep SNAP Funded Act would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue issuing SNAP payments even while Congress has not passed a new budget or temporary funding resolution. It would also cover any missed payments dating back to September 30, 2025, and remain in effect until full or temporary funding for the 2026 fiscal year is approved. Why It Matters SNAP is funded by the USDA, with Congress approving a budget or temporary measure each year. The USDA sends funds to states, which distribute benefits via EBT cards. If funding lapses, the USDA can only use existing funds, and once these funds are depleted, SNAP payments to 42 million Americans could be halted until Congress acts. Millions of Americans could lose out if Republicans and Democrats are unable to come together to find a resolution. What To Know "I'll vote for your bill to extend SNAP benefits so 16 million kids don't go hungry the day after Halloween," Khanna wrote in a message to Hawley on X. "Can you ask Speaker Johnson to open the House and bring it for a vote?" The bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators. Republican cosponsors include James Lankford (Oklahoma), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine), Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee), Bernie Moreno (Ohio), Kevin Cramer (North Dakota), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), Katie Britt (Alabama), John Cornyn (Texas), Jon Husted (Ohio), Dan Sullivan (Alaska), Roger Marshall (Kansas), Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming), and Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia). Democratic and independent cosponsors include Peter Welch (Vermont), Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), Ben Ray Luján (New Mexico), Ruben Gallego (Arizona), Margaret Hassan (New Hampshire), Cory Booker (New Jersey), Andy Kim (New Jersey), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), Patty Murray (Washington), Chuck Schumer (New York), Elizabeth Warren (Massachussetts), Martin Heinrich (New Mexico), Raphael Warnock (Georgia), Bernie Sanders (Vermont) and Angus King (Maine). The federal government has been closed for almost a month due to Congress’s inability to agree on a funding bill. Although the House of Representatives approved a measure to reopen the government, it has stalled in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to overcome a filibuster. Republicans hold a 53–47 majority in the Senate, and only two Democrats have voted in favor of the proposal. Democratic senators have withheld broader support, citing the bill’s failure to address the pending expiration of health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. What People Are Saying Senator Josh Hawley wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times: "There is no reason any of these residents of my state — or any other American who qualifies for food assistance — should go hungry. We can afford to provide the help. Preventing debilitating poverty through the food program costs only about a tenth of our annual defense budget. Of course, aid should be limited to those who truly need it. But there is no cause, and no excuse, to deny aid to the poor entirely." Senator Bernie Moreno said in a statement: "I’m proud to team up with my Republican colleagues to protect SNAP since Democrats won’t." What Happens Next The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
