Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has lapsed, leaving approximately 42 million Americans facing food insecurity. This has led to criticism of the MAGA administration, with one former Trump supporter expressing regret over her vote due to the impact on her daughter who relies on food assistance. While the president has been criticized for hosting lavish parties and prioritizing a ballroom over the dining rooms of individual Americans, polls show that the public largely blames Republicans for the shutdown, impacting Trump’s approval ratings. As a result, prominent GOP officials are expressing concerns about a potential electoral “bloodbath” in the upcoming midterms.
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Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic effort to fully fund SNAP benefits, which had run out of funding during the government shutdown. Senator Jeff Merkley proposed a resolution to provide $8 billion for November’s SNAP benefits. However, the resolution was rejected by Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, who claimed it was a political stunt and insisted reopening the government was the solution. The Trump administration previously announced it would partially fund SNAP through the Agriculture Department.
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The government shutdown has caused a wave of Head Start center closures across the country, impacting thousands of families and children. Many centers have missed out on federal grant payments, leading to indefinite closures and forcing parents to scramble for childcare. These closures mean that low-income children are missing out on essential preschool services, including meals and developmental therapies. The situation is exacerbated by potential cuts to food assistance programs like SNAP, further burdening families who rely on Head Start for both childcare and nutritional support.
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Amidst the federal government shutdown, the USDA has instructed grocery stores not to provide special discounts to SNAP recipients, citing the “Equal Treatment Rule,” which mandates equal pricing for all customers. This directive follows the halt of SNAP payments due to the shutdown, impacting approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the program for groceries. While two federal judges have ruled that emergency funds should be used to continue benefits, the Trump administration is seeking legal clarification on the matter. The situation remains uncertain, leaving families in a state of limbo regarding their SNAP benefits, with potential payment resumption as early as Wednesday.
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As the government shutdown loomed, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was set to lapse, President Trump was hosting a lavish Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago. This event was met with strong criticism, with prominent Democrats accusing the president of prioritizing his wealthy friends over the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits. While the SNAP benefits were expiring on November 1st, Trump was pictured enjoying himself at the party. Legal challenges have emerged, with judges ordering the release of emergency funding for SNAP and the potential for unlawful suspension of the program.
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The article posits a clash between “end-of-the-world fascism” (EWF) and civil disobedience, with EWF currently holding the advantage due to its control over resources and political structures. EWF thrives on violence and maintains power through manipulation of corporate interests and the exploitation of the working class. Resistance faces challenges, including fragmented social classes and the co-option of political movements by corporate agendas within the Republican and Democratic parties. Ultimately, the article urges a shift in perspective, suggesting that the impending end of food assistance programs presents an opportunity for the educated professional class to unite with the abandoned working class and engage in mass protest.
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Senators Susan Collins and Josh Hawley, along with several Republican colleagues, have introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act to guarantee continued SNAP benefit payments amidst the ongoing government shutdown. This bill addresses concerns of potential SNAP shortfalls reported by multiple states. The legislation seeks to provide full funding for SNAP, ensuring uninterrupted benefits retroactive to the shutdown’s commencement. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations who depend on SNAP for food security while Congress works to resolve the shutdown.
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to expire on November 1st due to the ongoing government shutdown. Congressman Clay Higgins criticized SNAP recipients, suggesting they should have stockpiled food and should not be receiving benefits if they have not done so. The government shutdown began after the Senate failed to pass a Republican-sponsored funding bill, with Democrats unwilling to support any bill without an extension of healthcare premium subsidies. While a bill to fund SNAP beyond November 1st has been introduced by a Republican Senator and has support from Democrats, Republican leadership has not indicated it will bring the bill to the floor for a vote.
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Nearly 42 million Americans losing their food stamp benefits is a stark reality check on the economic health of the United States. We’re talking about a massive number of people, nearly the population of a small country, who rely on this essential support to put food on the table. The sheer scale of this situation is difficult to grasp, especially when juxtaposed with the fact that we’re a nation boasting an extraordinary number of billionaires. It makes you question the priorities, doesn’t it?
It’s infuriating to consider that a significant number of these individuals, the ones who are about to lose these benefits, are actually working jobs.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump Throws Lavish Gatsby Party as SNAP Funds Dwindle
HuffPost is asking readers to become members to support independent, fact-based journalism. Membership will help sustain the newsroom and allow for continued reporting on important issues. The publication expresses gratitude for past support, which aided in navigating challenging times. Now, continued support through membership is crucial for the future of their work.
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