WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to news that the Trump administration is refusing to use USDA contingency funds to pay for November SNAP benefits -- a move that contradicts USDA’s own contingency plan in the event of a funding lapse – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), released the following statement:

Trump is needlessly and cruelly using his government shutdown to inflict maximum pain on the American people, by refusing to provide the assistance that millions of hardworking Americans rely on to buy food for themselves and their families. We know that Trump has the resources to continue SNAP and other programs like WIC. Weaponizing food assistance is, simply put, a new and disgusting low. Americans should be able to afford food and health care, but this administration seems to want them to have neither. It is past time for Trump and Republicans to come to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to pass a government funding bill that will lower the catastrophic spike in health care costs Americans are facing and end Republicans’ government shutdown.”

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