Senator Collins Calls on USDA to Take All Possible Steps to Protect SNAP Benefits Amid Ongoing Shutdown

More than 170,000 Mainers, including more than 100,000 children and older adults, receive benefits through the SNAP program.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the agency to take all possible actions to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments continue during the ongoing government shutdown. SNAP provides a vital safety net for low-income individuals and families, helping to ensure that vulnerable Americans can afford nutritious food. In Maine, more than 170,000 people - including 50,000 children and 73,000 older adults - receive SNAP benefits.

"The needless and reckless government shutdown directed by Senator Schumer is putting federal nutrition assistance for these individuals at risk," Senator Collins wrote. "The SNAP program is incredibly important to low-income families in Maine. I urge you to consider all available options in accordance with federal law to ensure that this vital nutrition assistance continues, including the use of contingency funds and looking at the viability of partial payments or any transfer authority you may have."

"I will continue to work with my colleagues to end this damaging shutdown and reopen the government, but in the interim, I ask that you use every available tool to ensure legally available funds are expended to provide SNAP benefits," Senator Collins concluded.

The complete text of the letter can be read here.

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