Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is calling on U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to act immediately to prevent millions of Americans from losing access to federal food assistance as the government shutdown continues.
Drummond joined 17 other state attorneys general in signing a letter urging Schumer to support a resolution that would keep the government open and fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The letter warns that benefits could stop being issued as soon as November 1 if the shutdown persists.
“Oklahomans who depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families should not be held hostage by the political games of Washington Democrats,” Drummond said. “SNAP recipients include hardworking families, elderly Oklahomans on fixed incomes, and people with disabilities who are simply trying to put food on the table. Senate Democrats must act now to ensure these vulnerable Oklahomans don’t go hungry. I am proud to stand with President Trump during this shutdown spurred by Democrats.”
The attorneys general wrote that Congress can prevent a crisis by passing a continuing resolution to fund essential services and protect those who rely on them. “You have the power to prevent a crisis that is entirely avoidable,” the letter states.
The letter also emphasizes that allowing benefits to lapse “would send the wrong message to every working parent and senior who plays by the rules.”
Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia joined Drummond in signing the letter.
I’m sure Senator Shumer is eager to hear AG Drummond’s views.