If recipients of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were looking for a shoulder to lean on it a sympathetic ear, Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) is not that person.
On Thursday, the representative went on X on a message to those relying on food assistance, which is Sept to lapse Saturday, Mediaite reported.
“There are 22 million American households receiving SNAP benefits for groceries, at $4200 per year on average,” he wrote. “Try to get your head wrapped around how many pantries you can stock with $4200 dollars in properly shopped groceries.”
“Any American who has been receiving $4200 dollars per year of free groceries and does NOT have at least 1 month of groceries stocked should never again receive SNAP, because wow, stop smoking crack,” he added.
The SNAP program will run out of money due to the federal government shutdown that started Oct. 1.
Since then, the Senate has not garnered the 60 votes needed to pass a Republican-sponsored funding bill.
Republicans control the chamber 53-47.
The stalemate stems from Democrats not willing to vote on a bill that does not contain an extension of healthcare premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Those are due to expire Dec. 31.
SNAP helped 41.7 million Americans per month in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
After Higgins’ post, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Republican senators to end the 60-vote threshold for legislation to move forward.
“BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE GONE STONE COLD ‘CRAZY,’ THE CHOICE IS CLEAR — INITIATE THE “NUCLEAR OPTION,” GET RID OF THE FILIBUSTER AND, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced a bill that would fund SNAP beyond Nov. 1.
While Senate Democrats have said they would support the measure, but Republican leadership does not seem to be in a hurry to bring it to the floor for a vote.
