Pingree says Government Shutdown Threatens Food Stamps for 230,000 Mainers

Statement

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said if Congress fails to pass a spending bill by the end of this month and forces a government shutdown, 45 million people, including 230,000 in Maine, could lose their SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) on October 1st.

"A politically motivated government shutdown would be a real hardship for thousands of Maine families, veterans and seniors who depend on food stamps to help make ends meet each month," Pingree said. "It's shameful that some Congressional Republicans are trying to use their opposition to Planned Parenthood to force a government shutdown at the expense of families struggling to put food on the table."

During the last government shutdown, Recovery Act funding was able to keep the food stamp program running, but that funding has run out and now the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will not have enough funding to cover the cost of food stamps in October and may be forced to shut down the program on October 1st.

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and sits on the subcommittee that provides funding for USDA.

Source