President Donald Trump appeared confident when asked about funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown.
“We’re going to get it done,” Trump said when asked about Saturday’s deadline and lack of contingency funding by Department of Agriculture, NewsMax reported.
“The Democrats have caused the problem, unfortunately. All they have to do is sign, and if they sign, I’ll meet with them,” Trump told reporters Wednesday on Air Force One.
He then started talking about the state of healthcare.
He intimated a deal could happen when Democrats end the shutdown.
“We have to fix healthcare because Obamacare is a disaster,” Trump said. “When you see the increases in Obamacare, it never worked, it never will work, and we could do something with the Democrats much better than Obamacare. Less money and better healthcare.”
Trump called for a bipartisan measure, adding insurance companies are “making too much money.”
“I think it’s a great time for the Republicans and the Democrats to get together and make something that will work,” he said.
About 42 million Americans receive SNAP food assistance month.
In light of the government shutdown, funding will likely end soon.
According to the USDA website, without new funding, benefits cannot be paid.
“At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01,” the website said.
Although there are $5 billion in contingency funds, those funds are earmarked for disaster aid and other child nutrition programs.
States led by Democrats have sued the Trump administration. They claiming the USDA is legally obligated to use contingency funds to cover the lapse.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) penned a New York Times opinion piece this week in which he warned that millions of Americans could lose access to food assistance soon.
“America is a great and wealthy nation, and our most important wealth is our generosity of spirit,” Hawley wrote. “Congress must not let that happen.”
