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 immediate action to ensure continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The coalition expressed concern that political disputes in Washington could disrupt benefits for 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP.
In a letter addressed to Schumer, the attorneys general highlighted the potential impact of a government shutdown on vulnerable groups such as working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. They urged Schumer to support a “clean continuing resolution” that would keep the government operating and maintain SNAP funding.
Attorney General Wilson stated, “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. We’re urging Sen. Schumer and other Democrats to act quickly.”
The letter from the attorneys general said, “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.”
This appeal comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that if the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits will not be distributed starting November 1. The attorneys general asked Schumer “to do what you know is right” by temporarily funding SNAP.
They added in their letter, “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.”
The ongoing government shutdown began October 1 after Senate Democrats declined twelve times to pass a clean Continuing Resolution—a measure they had previously supported thirteen times during the Biden Administration.
Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia joined Wilson and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in signing the letter.
