- Senator Bernie Sanders Joins Democrats for Press Conference on SNAP Funding Amid Government Shutdown
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) joined his Democratic colleagues today for a press conference on Capitol Hill, calling on the federal government to prioritize funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The press conference, held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, brought together lawmakers from across the country to highlight the urgent need to restore SNAP benefits to struggling families and individuals. SNAP provides critical assistance to millions of Americans, helping them purchase food and other essential items.
“We cannot afford to play politics with people’s lives,” Senator Sanders said during the press conference. “As the government shutdown continues, it’s imperative that we take immediate action to protect the SNAP program and ensure that those who need it most receive the support they deserve.”
Senator Sanders emphasized that the shutdown has already caused significant hardship for many Americans, and that Congress must work to find a bipartisan solution to fund the government and protect vital programs like SNAP.
“We need to put people over politics and prioritize the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” he said. “SNAP is not just a program – it’s a lifeline for millions of Americans who rely on it to put food on the table.”
The press conference comes as the government shutdown enters its third week, with no clear end in sight. Democrats have been pushing for a short-term funding bill to reopen the government, while Republicans have insisted on linking funding to border security measures.
Senator Sanders and his colleagues are urging Congress to find common ground and pass a clean funding bill that prioritizes the needs of American families.
“We will not be silenced or deterred,” Senator Sanders said. “We will keep fighting for the rights and dignity of all Americans, and we will not rest until the SNAP program is fully funded and our most vulnerable citizens are protected.”
The press conference was attended by several Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), among others.
As the debate over government funding continues, Senator Sanders’ call to action serves as a reminder of the human impact of the shutdown and the need for Congress to find a solution that puts people first.
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