The US government shutdown's grip on millions of Americans is tightening by the day. As of November 1st, over 40 million citizens who rely on food stamps are about to lose their lifeline. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the Department of Agriculture, will be suspended indefinitely unless Congress comes out of its current stalemate.
The Trump administration claims that it lacks the authority to utilize a $5 billion contingency fund to keep the program afloat, but Democrats dispute this assertion and have taken legal action in at least two dozen states. The stakes are high for millions who can't afford their groceries; without SNAP, food banks will likely see a surge in demand.
Meanwhile, another vulnerable population is bracing itself for a healthcare crisis. As the shutdown drags on, insurance premiums are set to skyrocket due to reduced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Senate Democrats are pushing hard to include an extension of enhanced subsidies in any short-term funding deal, but Trump and his Republican allies are refusing to negotiate until the government is reopened.
The human cost of this impasse is becoming increasingly clear. Without the subsidy boost, families will be forced to pay much higher premiums for health insurance, leaving many unable to afford essential medical care. We want to hear from those who are feeling the pinch β have you received any notices or paperwork that your food assistance or healthcare plans will change soon?
The Trump administration claims that it lacks the authority to utilize a $5 billion contingency fund to keep the program afloat, but Democrats dispute this assertion and have taken legal action in at least two dozen states. The stakes are high for millions who can't afford their groceries; without SNAP, food banks will likely see a surge in demand.
Meanwhile, another vulnerable population is bracing itself for a healthcare crisis. As the shutdown drags on, insurance premiums are set to skyrocket due to reduced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Senate Democrats are pushing hard to include an extension of enhanced subsidies in any short-term funding deal, but Trump and his Republican allies are refusing to negotiate until the government is reopened.
The human cost of this impasse is becoming increasingly clear. Without the subsidy boost, families will be forced to pay much higher premiums for health insurance, leaving many unable to afford essential medical care. We want to hear from those who are feeling the pinch β have you received any notices or paperwork that your food assistance or healthcare plans will change soon?