Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has introduced the “Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025” to ensure SNAP benefits continue during a government shutdown, aiming to protect the program serving millions. The bill mirrors a Senate companion led by Sen. Josh Hawley, addressing concerns that November SNAP payments may be at risk. With the Department of Agriculture warning of insufficient funds, the legislation seeks to fund SNAP until regular appropriations are in place. The bill faces an uncertain path in the House as Speaker Johnson focuses on pressuring the Senate for a funding stopgap, but has hinted that the House will address the bill if the Senate passes it.
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The Department of Defense announced the acceptance of a $130 million donation from an anonymous Trump ally to cover military salaries during the government shutdown. This unprecedented move, departing from traditional reliance on congressional appropriations, has sparked inquiries from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Democrats are particularly concerned, citing potential violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits the use of private donations to offset funding shortfalls. The identity of the donor and the specifics of the donation’s use remain unclear, with the Pentagon and White House deflecting questions about these details.
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The government shutdown, now in its fourth week, has seen minimal action from the country’s leaders, with the House and Senate largely inactive. The impasse stems from a dispute over extending tax credits for Affordable Care Act health insurance premiums, which Democrats want included in any funding bill. Republicans, however, are unwilling to negotiate until the government reopens, and Donald Trump has shown little interest in mediating a solution. As the shutdown continues, the pressure is mounting, with federal workers missing paychecks and potential disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
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Texas officials announced that SNAP benefits for the state’s most vulnerable residents are at risk due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. If the shutdown continues past October 27th, more than $614 million in food assistance will be halted, impacting approximately 3.5 million Texans, including 1.7 million children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that November SNAP payments may cease. The Texas Health and Human Services is directing Lone Star Card users to their website for more information, while other assistance programs remain unaffected.
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Senate Democrats have blocked the Republican Party’s government funding legislation for the 12th time, as Republicans remain five votes short of the required 60. Democrats are using this “leverage” to push Republicans to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans insist will only be considered after the government reopens. This has led to a hardened resolve among Democrats, and Republicans are running out of solutions, as the deadline to fund the government approaches.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) proposed a bill, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, to ensure payment for federal workers, military members, and contractors during a potential 2025 government shutdown, along with preventing mass layoffs. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) objected to the request for immediate consideration of this bill. Johnson, while acknowledging overlap with his own bill addressing similar issues, advocated for debating and amending the legislation rather than approving it via unanimous consent. Johnson believed a thorough review and debate process was necessary before the bill could be passed.
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Federal workers, including contractors like Summer Kerksick, are turning to food banks due to the ongoing government shutdown and lack of pay. A food bank event in Landover, Maryland, organized by the Capital Area Food Bank and No Limits Outreach Ministries, served over 370 households, far exceeding expectations. The event highlights the financial strain on federal employees, with some like Rolanda Williams expressing disbelief at needing assistance, as the shutdown continues. While some lawmakers propose partial pay solutions, a widespread resolution to the situation remains elusive.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared that SNAP benefits will not be distributed next month due to the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 21st day. This decision impacts 42 million Americans, including nearly 170,000 in Maine, who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food assistance. While November benefits are paused, previously issued benefits remain usable, and applications for SNAP are still being accepted. For further assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact 211.
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To address potential food shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard and California Volunteers to support food banks across the state. This action is taken in response to delayed SNAP benefits affecting 5.5 million Californians and the potential depletion of CalFresh funding. The state is also allocating up to $80 million in emergency funding to further assist food banks. This humanitarian mission echoes similar efforts during the pandemic and aims to ensure families have access to essential food resources.
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Trump administration moves toward an Arctic Alaska oil lease sale despite the government shutdown, creating a rather complicated situation, to say the least. It’s hard to ignore the irony. The government is struggling to fulfill its basic obligations – paying its soldiers, assisting those in need – yet, simultaneously, it’s pushing forward with selling off land for oil exploration. This action seems to prioritize specific interests over the broader needs of the citizenry, and that doesn’t sit right. It appears this move is intended to appease certain voters, furthering a broader agenda that favors the exploitation of natural resources, no matter the consequences.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood