SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has joined as a cosponsor of the Keep SNAP Funded Act, legislation designed to prevent interruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments if a government shutdown extends past October.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced on its website that, without a Continuing Resolution or new appropriations bills, SNAP benefits will not be distributed starting November 1. The bill, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), would allocate funds to ensure the USDA continues providing SNAP benefits even during a government funding lapse.

“It is unacceptable that Alaskans are anxiously watching as the shutdown impasse continues, unsure if they’ll be able to receive their SNAP benefits by the end of the week,” said Senator Murkowski. “Over 66,000 Alaskans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, and this legislation will ensure that these benefits aren’t interrupted.”

Senator Hawley also commented on the potential impact in his state: “Needy families in Missouri should not be going hungry because a bunch of politicians in DC can't figure out how to open the government,” he said. “650,000 people in Missouri depend on help when it comes to the price of food and groceries. I don't want to see these folks go without food. I hope everybody will support this legislation.”

Other senators supporting the bill include Susan Collins (R-Maine), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota).