South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, along with 18 other state attorneys general, has called on U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to take action to ensure continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The group expressed concern that ongoing political disagreements in Washington could jeopardize benefits for 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP.
In a letter addressed to Schumer, the attorneys general stated that current political brinkmanship is putting vulnerable groups such as working families, seniors, and people with disabilities at risk. They urged Schumer to support a clean continuing resolution that would keep the government open and maintain SNAP funding.
Attorney General Wilson highlighted the impact on his state: “More than 260,000 South Carolinians rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families, and they shouldn’t be worried about their kids going hungry because of this political standoff,” he said. “We’re urging Sen. Schumer and other Democrats to act quickly.”
The letter from the attorneys general read: “Congress can stop the threat right now by passing a clean continuing resolution that keeps essential services funded and protects those who rely on them. You have the power to prevent a crisis that is entirely avoidable.”
The appeal comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture notified states that SNAP benefits would not be distributed on November 1 if the government shutdown continues. The attorneys general asked Schumer “to do what you know is right” by ensuring temporary funding for SNAP.
They further wrote: “Letting those benefits lapse while political negotiations drag on would send the wrong message to every working parent and senior who plays by the rules.”
According to information provided by Wilson’s office, the federal government has been shut down since October 1 due to Senate Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean Continuing Resolution twelve times during the Biden Administration—a measure they had previously supported thirteen times.
Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia also signed the letter alongside Wilson and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
A copy of the letter is available online.
