Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at expanding access to workforce training, pre-apprenticeship, and education programs by addressing the real-world barriers that prevent many Americans from completing them. The Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act and the Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act work in tandem to provide comprehensive supports for individuals pursuing skills training, from pre-apprenticeship to advanced workforce education. 

The legislation responds to a growing need across Washington state and the country for skilled workers in the building trades, manufacturing, and other high-demand industries. Both bills establish new grant programs through the Department of Labor to help local training providers, unions, and educational institutions offer wraparound support services such as transportation, childcare, housing, and assistance for lost wages. 

“Access to job training and education is about more than tuition,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “It’s about whether someone can afford to get to class, care for their children, or keep food on the table while they pursue a better future. These bills help break down those barriers so more people can complete their training and move into stable, family-supporting careers.” 

Together, these bills provide a continuum of support for individuals pursuing education and workforce training—from entry-level pre-apprenticeships to advanced skills development. They share the same goal: to remove financial and logistical barriers that keep working people from accessing opportunities. 
 

The Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act 

The Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act would create a new Department of Labor grant program to provide stipends to individuals enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs. These stipends could be used to cover transportation, lost hourly wages, housing, childcare, and certification costs. The bill is designed to ensure that hardworking Americans can complete pre-apprenticeships and transition into Registered Apprenticeship Programs without facing financial hardship. 

Endorsements:

• Machinists Institute
• IAM District 751 

“The Machinists Institute proudly supports Representative Adam Smith’s continued leadership in expanding access to pre-apprenticeship programs through the Wraparound Support Services Fund Act. This legislation directly addresses the real-world barriers like transportation, childcare, and lost wages that prevent many individuals from pursuing training and career pathways. By investing in these critical supports, Rep. Smith is not only opening doors to family-sustaining jobs, but also reinforcing the value of inclusive workforce development. We see firsthand how pre-apprenticeship transforms lives, and this bill ensures more people can access that opportunity with dignity and stability.” 
— Shana Peschek, Executive Director, Machinists Institute 

“Training the next generation of skilled workers through pre-apprenticeships is the key to keeping Washington State a workforce leader in innovation. We need allies like U.S. Representative Adam Smith and his sponsorship of bills such as the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-around Support Services Fund Act of 2025 to continue this success. This important legislation directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants available to eligible individuals enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs, eliminating a significant hurdle facing many students enrolled in these programs. Pre-apprenticeships change lives in our communities, often creating pathways to generational, family-wage union jobs. IAM District 751 will always support legislation ensuring future workers have the tools needed to carry on our great state’s legacy of training the next generation of workers.” 
— Jon Holden, President, IAM District 751 

Bill text here. Fact sheet here.

The Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act 

The Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act would create a new Support Services Training Fund under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This competitive grant program would help local and state workforce development boards partner with community organizations to provide wraparound services for individuals enrolled in workforce training and education programs. These services could include assistance with housing, childcare, transportation, health care, and other basic needs. 
Endorsements:

• LiUNA Local 242
• ANEW
• Renton Technical College
• Iron Workers Local Union #86 

“LiUNA Local 242 strongly supports Congressman Adam Smith’s legislation to expand wraparound support for individuals pursuing careers in the building and construction trades. Access to industry-leading apprenticeship programs gives participants transferable skills and lifelong careers, but too often, barriers like transportation, childcare, or housing stand in the way. This bill helps ensure that those entering our apprenticeship and training programs can complete them and move into stable, family-supporting careers that strengthen our communities and the economy.” 
— Dale Cannon, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, LiUNA Local 242 

“The Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council strongly supports efforts to expand access to education, training, and supportive services that help workers build stable, family-wage careers. The goals of the Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act align with our long-standing commitment to creating pathways into the skilled trades and strengthening our state’s workforce.” 
— Heather Kurtenbach, Executive Secretary, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 

“As president of Renton Technical College, I am endorsing the Empowering Individuals to Succeed Through Education and Workforce Training Act, a grant to support wraparound supports for students enrolled in education and workforce programs. This act strengthens partnerships between community organizations and colleges and addresses barriers to education and training that impact student success, retention and completion. At RTC, we know how vital investments in workforce programs are and the roles they play in improving social and economic outcomes for individuals and businesses and industries in need of a skilled workforce.” 
— President Yoshiko Harden, Renton Technical College 

Bill text here. Fact sheet here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today introduced the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act of 2025, which is legislation to expand access to one-stop crisis stabilization centers that provide behavioral health services, housing support, and wraparound care under one roof. The bill establishes a new federal grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to help states, counties, cities, tribal governments, and territories create and sustain local crisis care facilities.

“Our country’s behavioral health crisis system is stretched thin,” said Representative Adam Smith. “We must equip our communities with resources to better respond to the nationwide mental and behavioral health crisis. This bill provides the resources communities need to create one-stop centers that offer immediate stabilization, treatment, and connection to long-term supports like housing and case management.”
 

Endorsements:

This bill is endorsed by National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Alliance to End Homelessness, International Community Health Services, King County Housing Authority, RI International, Seattle Housing Authority, Asian Counseling and Referral Services, Compass Housing Alliance, and Sea Mar Community Health Centers.

Supportive quotes:

“Behavioral health care is an essential part of whole person health, both in moments of crisis and as part of ongoing primary care. Our communities are experiencing unprecedented levels of behavioral health needs. It is imperative that helping people meet these needs be as simple and as effective as possible. The Behavioral Health Crisis Centers Act takes a significant step towards this goal. ‘One-stop’ sites that offer behavioral health crisis care and a range of health care and wraparound services will make a difference in long-term health outcomes. International Community Health Services is grateful to Rep. Smith for leading on this issue.”
— Kelli Nomura, Chief Executive Officer, International Community Health Service

“The King County Housing Authority appreciates Congressman Smith’s steadfast commitment to addressing the behavioral health and housing needs of people living in our region. Crisis Care Centers are exactly the type of investment we need to be making to ensure an array of services are available for community members who are struggling with complex behavioral health and substance use disorders. This is a critical component of our region’s efforts to address the homelessness crisis. This legislation would also support proactive outreach to high needs populations and tenants of subsidized housing programs – including those operated by KCHA – for stronger health and housing stability outcomes.”
— Robin Walls, President/CEO, King County Housing Authority

“In too many communities, people experiencing a mental health crisis are not able to get the help they need. Representative Smith’s Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act will help build out the continuum of mental health crisis response services across the country. This bill will move us closer to the goal of ensuring that every person in crisis receives an effective, humane response and is treated with dignity and respect.”
— Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

“The Seattle Housing Authority applauds Representative Smith for introducing this legislation to address the increasing behavioral health needs that are impacting so many people. We have seen firsthand the impact the pandemic has had on our residents. We make every effort to connect people to help so we can keep them housed safely but the current system is overburdened and does not have the resources to provide response and care for the growing number of people in serious crisis. This legislation would provide a relief valve for those in crisis and that is something that is needed. We are very appreciative of Congressman Smith’s recognition of this deeply concerning situation and his action to expand options for treatment.”
—  Rod Brandon, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority

“We appreciate Representative Smith’s critical leadership in mustering much-needed federal support for local behavioral health crisis care systems, which, ideally, can act as one-stop centers to connect people with the service providers they need. His Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act could help to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are prioritized for housing and the services they need to stay safely and securely housed.”
— National Alliance to End Homelessness

Background:
The Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act authorizes $11.5 billion annually from FY2026 through FY2030 to fund the establishment, operation, and expansion of crisis stabilization centers nationwide. These centers would serve as coordinated entry points for individuals in crisis, providing behavioral health and substance use treatment, housing assistance, and connections to other services including legal aid and workforce support.

Under the bill, eligible entities—including states, counties, cities, tribal governments, and territories—could use funding for a range of activities such as:

• Constructing or acquiring crisis stabilization facilities
• Hiring and retaining behavioral health and peer support staff
• Coordinating with emergency response, housing, and health systems
• Conducting outreach to vulnerable populations, including youth and unhoused individuals
• Providing training in trauma-informed and culturally competent care

Local governments would also have the flexibility to subgrant funds to nonprofit service providers, ensuring coordination with community-based organizations that specialize in housing, recovery, and mental health outreach.

Behavioral health crisis care systems across the United States remain underdeveloped due to inconsistent funding and coordination. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), crisis stabilization facilities are a critical part of a comprehensive behavioral health system, providing immediate support and connection to care for individuals in acute distress.

The Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act builds upon the national rollout of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, ensuring that when people call for help, there is a place in their community ready to respond.

In Seattle, programs such as the Downtown Emergency Services Center’s Crisis Solutions Center have demonstrated how short-term crisis stabilization coupled with long-term service coordination can reduce strain on emergency rooms and law enforcement while improving outcomes for individuals in crisis. The Behavioral Health Crisis Care Centers Act builds on this model, creating a national framework for accessible, community-based crisis care.

Bill text here. Fact sheet here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — As the Democrat Shutdown ends its first full month and November 1 approaches, the real-world consequences are mounting. Important programs that millions of low-income parents, children, and seniors depend on — from grocery assistance to early education — are on the verge of collapse. 

While House Republicans passed a clean, nonpartisan funding bill weeks ago to keep these benefits available, Democrats continue to block it — admitting that the shutdown is one of the few times Democrats have “leverage,” even if it means hurting American families.

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AT RISK

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program face imminent funding lapses under the Democrat Shutdown.

SNAP BENEFITS

• Tens of millions of Americans who rely on SNAP are at risk of losing their November benefits if Democrats refuse to end the shutdown.
• Food banks nationwide are already bracing for a surge in demand as families prepare for their benefits to freeze. 
• The USDA confirmed that its $5 billion contingency fund cannot be used for regular SNAP payments since those funds are reserved for disaster relief, not monthly benefits.
• NOTE: There are twice as many Americans are on SNAP than are on Obamacare market.

“The best way for SNAP to continue is for the shutdown to end.”
(USDA Memo, Oct. 24, 2025)

WIC Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves about 6.5 million mothers and young children each month — and is now a day away from running out of funding.

HEAD START PROGRAMS ON THE BRINK

Notices have begun going out to Head Start programs across the country, warning that their grants could be in jeopardy if the shutdown continues into November — potentially throwing tens of thousands of preschool children and their families into limbo.

• Head Start serves about 750,000 children nationwide, providing free child care, early education, health screenings, and meals for low-income families with children under six years old.
• The Democrat Shutdown is jeopardizing funding for about 140 programs serving nearly 65,000 children.
• Some programs, like in Tallahassee, FL, already missed October funding and are closing their doors after burning through reserves.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Democrats knew their shutdown would leave families hungry and classrooms dark — but they did it anyway, choosing political leverage and self-preservation over hardworking Americans.

“Every day gets better for us.”

Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)

“Of course there will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.”

House Democrat Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.)

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press availability with Bishop William J. Barber, II, Members of Congress, faith leaders from across the country and everyday Americans. The press availability followed a sit-down conversation that included testimony on the impacts of the morally catastrophic healthcare crisis and weaponization of hunger that Donald Trump and Republicans are unleashing on the American people.

“In America, poverty is not a choice that people are making. It’s a result of policy violence being visited upon everyday Americans. Fighting for the healthcare of everyday Americans, for the poor, the sick and the afflicted, for the least, the lost and the left-behind is not a partisan issue. It’s a moral issue. House Democrats will continue to stand on the side of the American people. I’m thankful for the moral leadership, the moral clarity and the inspirational wisdom and vision that these faith leaders have brought to this issue and to this fight for the American people,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08).

“Repairers of the Breach has coordinated Moral Mondays across the South and other states, bringing together religious leaders and poor, low-wage, and impacted people to insist that the needs of vulnerable Americans are moral issues. We are calling on Congressional leadership to defend human rights and the Constitution by promoting the general welfare in this moment of crisis for the most vulnerable. You cannot put your hand on the Bible, swear to uphold the Constitution, and then sit back and watch while millions lose healthcare and go hungry. It is simply wrong for politicians who receive free healthcare to strip it away from 16 million Americans. This is not a matter of left versus right, but of right versus wrong. Clergy must speak up, stand up, and refuse to back away from nonviolent resistance to this policy violence,” said Bishop William J. Barber, II.

“To serve the people, you have to love the people. You can’t truly serve the people if you don’t love them enough to fight for their health care, to make sure no family goes hungry, and to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home. I’m grateful for Leader Jeffries’ commitment to protecting the vulnerable, and to incredible allies like Rev. Barber for emphasizing the moral reckoning that Republicans are failing to heed,” said Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04).

“Cuts to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act subsidies, and SNAP are not just policy shifts—they are attacks on the poor, the elderly, the sick, and the working families of this nation. We have a moral obligation to stand up and demand that every person, no matter their income or ZIP code, has access to healthcare, food, and the basic necessities,” said Rev. Dr. Hanna R. Broome.

Four hardworking Americans, Chris Shumake, Cassie Coleman, Pam Garrison and Elaina Hurley, shared how their lives would be devastated by Republican cuts to SNAP, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Excerpts from their testimony are included below:

“I suffer from chronic health issues. One, I’m on life-sustaining medicine, a blood thinner. Without it, I’m a walking time bomb. I can drop the hat at any moment without any warning, from what put me on the blood thinners to begin with, which was a pulmonary embolism, which is where a clot shoots your heart and lodges itself in your lung. My Medicaid was cut—excuse me—I was robbed of my Medicaid. I didn’t lose it, because if I did, I’d be able to go out here and find it. So I was robbed of my Medicaid. I spent months playing Russian roulette, some days having my medicine and some days not. I need this medicine to live. Not only have I been robbed of my Medicaid. I most recently was told in the state of West Virginia that we no longer pay my Part B premium, leaving me with costs that I can’t afford. My cash benefit income is $640 a month. That’s what I get. So I thirst for a moral budget that will serve the needs of all people. Please open the government back up. We need help. I’m tired of living in pain. And no one should have to live this way,” said Elaina Hurley of Raleigh County, WV.

“I rely on SNAP benefits and Medicaid just to make it. We did have a hospital, but it closed down a couple of years ago. And then, here recently, our urgent care has closed down, too. Now we don’t have nothing close by. If something was to happen, we’d have to go at least 30 minutes away just to get help. Even if you call 911, that’s still, that’s 30 minutes away. You really can’t get much done with that,” said Chris Shumake of Alexander County, NC. 

“I work at two small local businesses, and neither of them provides healthcare. If we don’t extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies, the tax credits for people like me, we’ll go without health insurance,” said Cassie Coleman of Greenville County, SC.

“I’ve been a minimum wage worker in my whole life. I feel like my government is attacking their own people. We make $7.25 an hour. We’ve went 16, heading toward 20 years with no living wage. Then the programs that would help make up for that, the healthcare and food stamps, the SNAP programs, they want to take them. I feel like we’re under attack,” said Pam Garrison of Fayette County, WV.

Full video of today’s press availability can be watched here. 

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 October 2025

Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

Rep. Barragán Reintroduces the Feed the Community Act to Fight Hunger As Trump Lets SNAP Benefits Run Out This Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) reintroduced the Feed the Community Act (H.R. 5840) this week, to create tax deductions for businesses that donate food storage equipment and food transportation vehicles to non-profit organizations whose mission is to fight hunger in their communities.

As food banks, food pantries, and community-based nutrition providers face growing demand, they require equipment to store more food and vehicles to transport the food to communities in need. As the current tax code only allows food inventory as charitable donations, this new category of tax deductions will help incentivize a greater flow of donations of equipment and vehicles to food assistance organizations so that they can store and transport food to feed Americans across the country.

This bill builds upon Congresswoman Barragán’s recent efforts to protect access to nutritious foods in a letter she co-signed to USDA Secretary Rollins, requesting contingency funds be used to keep SNAP benefits available during the government shutdown. Tens of millions of Americans are affected by food insecurity and waste, which disproportionately harm senior citizens, low-income households, and communities of color. 

“Almost a million Angelenos would go hungry if it wasn’t for the important work of food banks,” said Rep. Barragán. “As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more Americans are afraid that they will not be able to secure food for their families. No American should ever have to worry about how they will secure their next meal. My bill helps ensure Americans have enough to eat and community-based nutrition organizations have the resources they need to serve our communities.”

“Across the United States logistics businesses are supporting food redistribution by donating warehouse space and providing transport to food banks and other community organizations,” said Sara Stickler, President and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance. “The Feeding the Community Act would recognize this contribution and promote further participation in these important partnerships. We are proud to support this bill.”

“The Feed the Community Act addresses a critical need for nonprofits by providing tax deductions for businesses that donate essential food storage equipment and vehicles,” said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “These donated resources would enhance the capacity of hunger-relief nonprofits nationwide. With increasing demand for food assistance and the rising costs of infrastructure, support for our shared mission is vital to continue serving individuals and families facing food insecurity. By incentivizing donations, this act fosters a community-driven approach to combating food insecurity and will increase the capacity of nonprofits to ensure that nutritious food reaches those in need.” 

“Meals on Wheels America is proud to endorse the Feed the Community Act and commends Congresswoman Nanette Barragán for her leadership in this proposing practical solution to address critical societal needs. By creating tax deductions for businesses that donate equipment and supplies, this legislation will encourage the donation of much-needed food storage, meal preparation and transportation equipment to nonprofit nutrition programs and support them in serving more people in need. With 1 in 3 Meals on Wheels providers currently keeping a waitlist, this bill will help end the wait that too many vulnerable seniors face for the nutritious meals and moments of connection they need and deserve. All of Congress should quickly get behind this bill,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America.

In 2023, over 47 million Americans lacked access to affordable and nutritious foods, with Black and Hispanic/Latino adults experiencing even lower access than White households. Additionally, food waste in the United States accounts for over 30% of the national food supply, about 235 million tons of food per year. This approximates to 145 billion wasted meals that can otherwise be provided to working Americans — this bill would help to decrease this waste and transport these meals to families across the country.

The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud O. Carabajal (CA-24), Andre Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Shomari Figures (AL-02), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Dina Titus (NV-1), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Juan Vargas (CA-52) and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The bill is supported by FoodFinders, the Global Cold Chain Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels America.

To view the full bill text, click HERE.

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Indiana Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, Indiana Soybean Alliance Chair Denise Scarborough, Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron, and Indiana Corn Growers & Indiana Corn Marketing Council Treasurer Tyler Everett at Everett Farms and Seed, LLC for a farm tour and to hear from producers and industry leaders about the successes and challenges they are facing in the agriculture industry. In attendance were Representatives Rudy Yakym, Victoria Spartz, Mark Messmer, and Jefferson Shreve, Indiana State Senator Sue Glick, and Indiana State Representatives Beau Baird and Robb Greene. Members of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Pork, Indiana Poultry, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and Farm Credit Services were also in attendance.

“I am grateful to Secretary Rollins for coming to the great state of Indiana during harvest season to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders in my district about what they are experiencing in the agriculture industry,” said Congressman Baird. “Indiana boasts of a rich agricultural history and is one of the top 10 farming states in the nation, which makes farm tours like these, coupled with the support from the president and Secretary Rollins, vital to our ag sector’s success. This farm tour could not have come at a better time. We toured the Everett family’s soybean operations on the heels of the Trump Administration’s historic soybean agreement. Both Secretary Rollins and President Trump have been great advocates for Rural America and are truly putting our farmers first. I also want to thank the Everett family for their hard work hosting this vital event as Secretary Rollins and I continue to work on behalf of our farmers and ranchers at the federal level.”

“It was great to welcome Secretary Rollins to the Hoosier State,” said Congressman Yakym. “Hoosier farmers and ranchers are the heartbeat of America’s agricultural community, and their hard work and sacrifice feed our communities, our state, and the world. Together, we’re committed to strengthening American agriculture, standing up for rural communities, and keeping America first.”

“I’m grateful to Ag Secretary Rollins and President Trump for their leadership in securing a major agreement with China to purchase millions of tons of U.S. soybeans,” said Congressman Shreve. “Indiana’s 6th District is home to some of the top soybean producers in the country, and this deal is a win for Hoosier farmers and our ag economy. I visited the Everett family farm to see firsthand how these investments strengthen agriculture across Indiana and beyond.”

“It was a pleasure to join Rep. Baird and my congressional colleagues in welcoming Secretary Rollins to the Hoosier State to discuss the concerns of Indiana’s farmers over skyrocketing input costs,” said Congresswoman Spartz.“Agriculture is a vital part of Indiana’s economy, and it is essential to have strong partners at the federal level who understand and support this critical industry.”

###

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“The harm of this Republican shutdown and this administration’s policy choices is layered, and it’s going to reverberate throughout our schools and communities for years to come.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) convened to demand Donald Trump fund SNAP, with the authority and money he has readily available, to keep 42 million people in America fed—63% of whom are women and over 1 million of whom reside in Massachusetts. Rep. Pressley slammed the Trump administration for making a conscious, intentional policy choice to attack women and children.

The press call comes ahead of the November 1^st funding cliff for SNAP that would leave millions of kids, women, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans without the food they need. The Trump administration has the legal authority and funding to keep food assistance flowing in November, but has so far refused to do so.

A video of the Congresswoman’s remarks is available here and a transcript is available below. Footage of the full press conference is available here.

Amid the Republican-manufactured government shutdown, Rep. Pressley has continued to fight to defend healthcare, reopen the government, and protect federal workers and the essential services they provide.

Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has also been a champion for food security and justice and ensuring families have the essential food assistance they deserve. She has been an outspoken critic of the Big, Ugly Bill since its inception and Republicans’ harmful cuts to SNAP and other government service programs.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just two days before the start of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act and Republicans’ cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) convened social media influencers and digital creators for a virtual briefing to discuss where things stand, how to end the shutdown, and what’s at stake for working families across the country. 

Participants included creators and organizers representing millions of followers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The conversation centered on the ongoing impacts of the shutdown, including the looming suspension of federal food assistance and skyrocketing health care premiums after the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies. 

“As the government shutdown enters its 30th day, digital creators are helping cut through the noise and tell the truth about what’s really happening in Washington, which is why I convened a select group of influencers and organizers for a briefing,” said Rep. Gomez. “In just two days, on November 1st, open enrollment begins, and millions of working class families will see their health care premiums skyrocket because Republicans let key tax credits expire, and SNAP benefits will run out for 42 million Americans — parents, kids, seniors, and workers who won’t be able to afford groceries. I will keep meeting with anyone willing to listen and exposing the false choice being presented to the American people by Trump and congressional Republicans who have a track record of disdain for programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicare and Medi-Cal.” 

The session also covered how creators are using their platforms to cut through misinformation and hold Republican policymakers accountable for the prolonged crisis. Creators and influencers like Sidney Raskind, Maggie Reed, Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Dyna Edyne, — representing millions of followers across platforms— joined in for the briefing.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — This afternoon, Speaker Johnson appeared on CNN’s Inside Politics with Dana Bash and Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum to discuss how Congressional Democrats have had 14 opportunities to fully fund SNAP and WIC benefits for American families but have refused each opportunity and instead voted to keep the government closed.

“There’s a very important point that everyone needs to understand. Republicans have voted 14 times to provide SNAP benefits, military pay, veterans’ health services, nutrition assistance for young women, the disabled, and the elderly. We’ve done it 14 times. The Democrats have voted 14 times to block all of that,” Speaker Johnson said.

Watch Speaker Johnson on CNN here, on Fox News here.

On public opinion turning against Congressional Democrats:

The reason that our numbers are rising is because we are articulating the simple truth. What [Rep. Stansbury] said is absurd and even CNN had to say wait a minute, that’s not right. They are the ones that have voted now, between the House and the Senate, 14 times to close the government and impose all this pain on the American people. It’s the Republicans voting over and over to keep the government open. I think there is a break coming, I think the dynamic will change. I certainly hope so; we pray that’s true. That the Democrats will continue to feel the pressure from the American people, from all these voices, even in the moderate and center-Left, like the unions who are saying please do the right thing, stop playing games, you are hurting real Americans and break that impasse. We are appealing to whatever moderate and centrist Democrats are left in the Senate to do the right thing, put the politics aside, do the right thing for the people so we can get about our work here again and get the government open.

On Congressional Republicans repeatedly voting to fully fund SNAP and WIC benefits:

There’s a very important point that everyone needs to understand. Republicans have voted 14 times to provide SNAP benefits, military pay, veterans’ health services, nutrition assistance for young women, the disabled, the elderly. We’ve done it 14 times. The Democrats have voted 14 times to block all of that. We need to do all of those things simultaneously. You have to pay the troops, you have to pay Border Patrol, TSA agents and air traffic controllers and everybody else. All of these things need to be done, not just part of them. The White House has bent over backwards to try to mitigate and reduce the pain as much as possible. We’ve gotten troops paid for part of October, but those funds are running out. We got WIC funding, women, infants, and children nutrition programs, funded thanks to the President. But that money’s running out as well. This is very real. The pain is very serious, and Democrats are playing games with this.

On Democrats calling for “negotiations” while the government remains closed:

There’s no deal to be made. Remember, the CR does not have Trump or Republican priorities on it at all. There’s nothing we can pull off of that to make it more palatable for the Democrats. I would’ve done that a long time ago. But we operated in good faith from day one. Back in September, on September 19, we voted for a clean, nonpartisan CR. It’s only 24 pages in length. It just says keep everything at status quo so we can all finish our jobs here. The Democrats rejected it for the first time in their lives. They did the same type of CR, voted for it 13 times during the Biden Administration. The only reason they did it right now is because they’re afraid of the rise of the Far-Left Marxists in their party. And they have to show them that they’re going to fight even while real people are hurting during this political game, this showmanship. Chuck Schumer’s trying to save his own political hide in New York. And he’s willing to put the American people through this great hardship for that reason alone. And it is shocking to us.

###