California Attorney General Rob Bonta has responded to Congress’s recent decision to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) following the end of a government shutdown. In a statement, Bonta said, “How we treat those with the least among us reveals the character of a country. We are proud to have fought to secure full SNAP benefits for more than 41 million low-income Americans during the unprecedented government shutdown, in the face of disgraceful efforts by President Trump and his Administration to withhold those benefits. We welcome Congress’s decision to fully fund the SNAP program, and we now urge the Trump Administration to ensure that the funds are disbursed immediately.”
Bonta also highlighted a legal victory in federal court related to SNAP benefits. “Yesterday, we secured a decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts confirming that the Trump Administration cannot force states to undo the steps they took to ensure that their most vulnerable residents could receive full SNAP benefits. If necessary, we are ready to defend this ruling through any further legal proceedings,” he stated.
He noted ongoing concerns about rising health care premiums despite an agreement being reached in Congress. “Finally, it’s worth emphasizing that the deal that ended the government shutdown completely and utterly failed to prevent health premiums from skyrocketing. Going forward, I hope Congress rises to the challenge and supports families who will face these soaring costs.”
The Attorney General’s comments come as more than 41 million Americans rely on SNAP assistance.
