A resolution to urge President Donald J. Trump and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to activate contingency funds to cover the upcoming month of food assistance benefits for 42 million Americans who stand to lose them on November 1 if the federal government remains shut down.
Impact
The bill highlights the extensive reliance on SNAP, noting that among Michigan's participants, a significant portion are families with children and working families. The resolution underscores that a lapse in funding would lead to severe social, health, and economic consequences, as families may face tough decisions between affording food and paying for other necessary expenses, such as rent and utilities. Additionally, failures in SNAP distribution could adversely affect local farmers and small businesses, as revenue losses would compound the existing stressors of rising food prices.
Summary
House Resolution 204 urges President Donald J. Trump and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to activate contingency funds to ensure the continuation of food assistance benefits for 42 million Americans, including approximately 1.4 million residents in Michigan. The resolution arises in response to a federal government funding lapse which threatens to halt the distribution of SNAP benefits starting November 1, potentially impacting many low-income families relying on this support to afford essential nutrition.
Contention
The resolution also contends with the federal government's interpretation regarding the legality of using contingency funds for regular SNAP benefits during government shutdowns. The text argues that previous administrations have utilized such funds for funding SNAP, thereby establishing a precedent. It indicates that USDA documentation supports the notion that these contingency funds are lawful and should be employed to prevent disruption of services vital to millions of Americans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity in food assistance during periods of governmental instability.
A resolution to strongly urge President Donald J. Trump and the United States Congress to take immediate and deliberate action to ensure the issuance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for the month of November and for the duration of the continued lapse in appropriations.
A concurrent resolution to urge the Trump Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding.
RESOLUTIONS CALLING ON THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO RELEASE CONTINGENCY FUNDS FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE DURATION OF THE ONGOING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
RESOLUTIONS CALLING ON THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO RELEASE CONTINGENCY FUNDS FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE DURATION OF THE ONGOING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Memorializes the Congress of the United States to take immediate action to approve funding to end the federal government shutdown and urges the United States Senate to adopt the continuing resolution passed by the United States House of Representatives that would ensure temporary funding and the uninterrupted operation of the federal government.
Supporting the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture in establishing a working group of nutrition experts to determine national standards for foods and beverages purchased with supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.
Urging Governor Meyer To Submit A Waiver Request To The United States Department Of Agriculture To Prohibit The Use Of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (snap) Benefits For The Purchase Of Candy And Soda In Order To Advance Nutritional Goals And Improve Public Health Outcomes.