Jake Tapper Clashes With Democrat Rep Who Blames Trump Admin For Looming Food Aid Freeze
CNN host Jake Tapper pressed Democratic New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury on Tuesday about whether Democrats should vote to reopen the government to prevent Americans from losing food assistance. The Supplemental…
CNN host Jake Tapper pressed Democratic New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury on Tuesday about whether Democrats should vote to reopen the government to prevent Americans from losing food assistance.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) distributes food aid to over 40 million Americans and is slated to lose funding on Nov. 1 unless Congress acts. Tapper called out Stansbury on “The Lead with Jake Tapper” for blaming President Donald Trump’s administration for the situation when Democrats can end the government shutdown.
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“Should the Democratic senators from New Mexico, your home state, vote to open the government so that these SNAP funds are not at risk?” Tapper asked.
“Let me be clear. The administration is choosing to starve American children with money that they already have appropriated,” Stansbury said. “This is a choice by the White House.”
However, Tapper disputed Stansbury’s argument.
“Congresswoman, this is also a choice by Senate Democrats to not vote to open the government,” he said. “No, it is not!” Stansbury replied as Tapper was still speaking.
“Yes, it is!” Tapper retorted. “I understand why they’re doing it. They’re doing it because they want Medicaid funds restored. They’re doing it because they want Obamacare premiums to be extended past the end of the year. I understand the reasoning.”