Bresnahan Shares Information Regarding Federal Food Programs as Government Shutdown Continues

FORTY FORT, PA: As the government shutdown is set to continue into its second month, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) shared the below statement and information regarding his support for the continued funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Both programs face significant uncertainty as the shutdown continues, putting essential nutrition assistance for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania and the nation at risk.

"SNAP and WIC serve as lifelines for tens of thousands of people across Northeastern Pennsylvania," said Rep. Bresnahan. "It is unacceptable for either side of the aisle to use food as political leverage. It is far past time to reopen the government and get back to work. No parent should have to worry about feeding their child because Washington cannot get its act together."

After his visit to a local Maternal and Family Health Services clinic last week, Rep. Bresnahan introduced H.R. 5836, the Keep WIC Working Act, which would fund WIC during any government shutdown this year. Over the past month, WIC has been funded through WIC's contingency fund as well as emergency funds allocated by the Trump Administration. In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Bresnahan stressed the importance of Congress find a more permanent solution.

"We're grateful that the administration found funds through the end of October," said Rep. Bresnahan. "But the goal here is to not have innocent women, infants, and children suffer because of legislators not being able to pass a budget…we can't keep relying on paper clips and bubble gum to get us through. We need a long-term solution."

Additionally, Rep. Bresnahan is a cosponsor of H.R. 5822, the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025, similar legislation that would ensure SNAP is also still funded during a government shutdown.

Rep. Bresnahan's offices in Washington and Northeastern Pennsylvania remain open to serve and assist constituents. Further information on SNAP and WIC, as well as links to lists of local food banks and pantries, is available below.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Roughly 42 million people across the country receive SNAP benefits, including 58,000 households in Rep. Bresnahan's district.
• Benefits will be suspended beginning November 1, 2025. No new payments will be loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
• Upon the conclusion of the government shutdown, missed benefits will be distributed retroactively.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• WIC serves nearly 6.9 million people every month, with an estimated 14,000 participants in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
• It remains unclear whether additional emergency funding will be made available.

Lists of food banks and pantries are available below:

• Lackawanna County
• Luzerne County
• Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties

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