11 GOP Senators Join Hawley in Bill Funding SNAP Amid Shutdown

A group of bipartisan senators, led by Republican Josh Hawley, has introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act to ensure uninterrupted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The bill, co-sponsored by ten Republican senators and Democrat Peter Welch, aims to provide full funding retroactive to the start of the shutdown, preventing millions of Americans, including veterans, from going hungry. Senator John Cornyn emphasized that the shutdown, caused by Senate Democrats' refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution, threatens the food security of 42 million Americans, including 3.5 million Texans. Despite the shutdown, states have begun to seek ways to cover gaps in SNAP funding, but millions remain at risk of losing assistance when benefits pause. Hawley highlighted the economic hardships faced by many families, noting the rising costs of living and the vital nature of SNAP as a safety net. This legislation also proposes federal reimbursement for states that use their own funds to maintain SNAP benefits during the shutdown.