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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

  Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2025)—Today, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Sen. Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Alex Padilla, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration, issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to slash refugee admissions to 7,500—almost entirely limited to white South Africans—without the legally required consultation with Congress:  

“The Trump Administration just announced that it will gut the United States’ refugee admissions program—slashing the annual cap to a mere 7,500 refugees, an astonishing 94% cut over last year and the lowest level in our nation’s history. To add insult to injury, the Administration is skipping over the tens of thousands of refugees who have been waiting in line for years in dire circumstances to come to the United States and it is instead prioritizing a single privileged racial group—white South African Afrikaners—for these severely limited slots.  

“This bizarre presidential determination is not only morally indefensible, it is illegal and invalid. The Administration has brazenly ignored the statutory requirement to consult with the House and Senate Judiciary Committees before setting the annual refugee admissions ceiling. That process exists to ensure that decisions of such great consequence reflect our nation’s values, our humanitarian commitments, and the rule of law, not the racial preferences or political whims of any one president.  

“The reason for this evasion is evident: the Administration knows it cannot defend its egregious policy before Congress or the American people. While nearly 130,000 vetted, approved refugees—men, women, and children fleeing persecution and violence—wait in limbo after being promised a chance at safety, Donald Trump is looking to turn refugee admissions into another political giveaway for his pet projects and infatuations.  

“We reject this announcement as both unlawful and contrary to America’s longstanding commitment to offer refuge to the persecuted. To twist our refugee policy into a partisan straightjacket is to betray both our legal obligations and our moral identity as a nation.”  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Allen Visits Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) has been working hard to support federal workers, contractors, and constituents affected by the ongoing government shutdown. These headlines tell the story:

ALXnow: Beyer Shares Resources For Federal Workers Affected By Government Shutdown

WUSA9: Virginia Congressman Proposes Bill To Help Furloughed Employees

Government Executive: House Dems Urge Utilities To Keep Lights On For Feds Amid Shutdown

“The lawmakers, led by Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., encouraged power, water and internet service providers in a letter to hold federal employees and contractors harmless for the duration of the appropriations lapse.”

ALXnow: Rep. Beyer Says Federal Workers Guaranteed Back Pay Despite Trump Administration Memo

[PICTURED RIGHT] New York Times: ‘No Idea How Long People Can Hold Out’: Federal Workers Feel Brunt of Shutdown

“Representative Don Beyer, a Northern Virginia Democrat, was among the two dozen volunteers loading boxes of produce and dried goods into cars.

Mr. Beyer had time to help, he said, because the House had not been in session for more than a month.

“It’s incredibly frustrating,” added Mr. Beyer, who said he was not taking a paycheck while the government was shut down, in solidarity with staff members and constituents who were not getting paid. “There are so many really important things we should be doing.” [Photo credit: Alyssa Schukar for the New York Times]

Government Executive: As White House Promises More Federal Layoffs, Democrats Say ‘We’ll See Them In Court’

Virginia Mercury: Virginia Delegation Condemns Federal Worker Firings                    

Blue Virginia: Virginia Delegation Democrats Slam White House Threat to Furloughed Workers’ Back Pay

[VIDEO] Forbes: ‘I’m Angry And I’m Heartbroken’: Don Beyer Slams ‘Sheer Meanness’ Of Trump Admin. During Shutdown

Falls Church News Press: Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Beyer, Walkinshaw, Over 60 Lawmakers Press Administration to Reinstate Furloughed Federal Workers at Agencies Unaffected by Republican Shutdown, Resume Their Pay

Richmond Times Dispatch: Va. Democrats Urge Miyares To Join Suit Over SNAP Benefits

Virginia Dogwood: Virginians Will See Health Insurance Premiums Surge If ACA Subsidies Expire

“Virginia Democrats have made preventing these premium increases a priority, while Republicans have come under attack for their unwillingness to protect Americans’ healthcare.”

ALXnow: Beyer Bill Would Let Federal Workers Tap Retirement Funds Without Penalty During Shutdown

Virginia Independent: Virginia Democratic Lawmakers Demand Trump Keep Promise To Pay Furloughed Workers

Federal News Network: ‘What Happened To All Of Our Funds?’ Passport Services Staff, Exempt From Shutdowns, Working Without Pay

“Last week, Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), along with Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), joined more than 60 of their colleagues in calling on OMB to immediately reinstate any furloughed employees at agencies fully funded through user fees, and to resume paychecks for employees who are working without pay.”

Falls Church News Press: 53 U.S. Representatives Urge Utility Companies To Suspend Penalties And Shutoffs For Federal Workers And Contractors During Government Shutdown

ALXnow: Beyer, Warner, And Kaine Decline Pay During Shutdown

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

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference, where he emphasized that Democrats remain ready, willing and able to negotiate a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and lower costs as Republicans continue pushing forward their unprecedented cuts to healthcare and nutritional assistance.

LEADER JEFFRIES: This is day 30 of the Trump-Republican shutdown and House Republicans remain on vacation. They’ve canceled votes for five consecutive weeks. House Republicans are missing in action, yet Speaker Mike Johnson is saying the quiet part out loud. It’s extraordinary that earlier today, Mike Johnson admitted that Republicans are willing to starve hungry children in this country and take away SNAP benefits starting on November 1st so they can pressure Democrats into gutting the healthcare of the American people. That’s what Mike Johnson admitted to just a little while ago. That’s extraordinary. But it’s what we know to be the case for Republicans. From the very beginning of this presidency, cruelty has been the point, and what has been driving their policy agenda is to make life better for the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. That’s what the One Big Ugly Bill was all about. Largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Ripping food away from the mouths of children, seniors, veterans and families. And all of this was done to provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors.

And now, as we approach November 1st just two days from now the beginning of open enrollment, tens of millions of Americans, including many in the state of Louisiana, are about to experience dramatically-increased premiums, co-pays and deductibles that will bankrupt them because of Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. Democrats will continue to stand up for everyday Americans, for working-class Americans and for middle-class Americans, for the poor, the sick and the afflicted, for the least, the lost and the left-behind throughout this country. We’re in this fight until we win this fight because we know we’re on the right side of this fight for the American people to protect their healthcare and to stop these cruel Republicans from ripping SNAP benefits away from the American people.

Full press availability can be watched here.

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