Congressman García’s Statement on SNAP Benefits Being Halted

CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement as people in Illinois begin receiving notices about the interruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the Republican government shutdown:

“Nearly two million people in Illinois rely on food stamps to put groceries on the table, including children and people with disabilities. Families are being notified that their SNAP benefits will run out by the end of October if Republicans continue to hold the government hostage and extend the shutdown.

“Democrats are at the table to reopen the government; however, Republicans continue to play political games and refuse to sit down with our leadership. Speaker Mike Johnson has stated there is ‘nothing to negotiate.’ While families in Illinois and across the country are wondering how they’ll put food on the table, the Trump administration has tripled ICE’s budget and spent $172 million in tax dollars on private jets for Secretary Noem to film propaganda videos, while masked agents kidnap community members, including green card holders and U.S. citizens. This administration’s priorities are clear: cruelty over compassion, billionaires over working people. It’s time to end this shutdown and put families first.”

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