Florida Congresswomen Tackle Food Assistance Challenges as Government Shutdown Looms

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Federal authorities have issued a warning to state agencies that ongoing benefits could face delays or interruptions next month if the government shutdown persists.

Democratic Representative Kathy Castor discussed these potential disruptions during a virtual news conference held on Thursday.

“While I believe things will be manageable, the larger issue lies in the substantial cuts to SNAP and WIC already enacted by Republicans,” remarked Castor.

The congresswoman from Hillsborough County expressed greater concern over the lasting effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which has implemented significant changes to food assistance programs.

For the short term, Castor said it’s common for any administration to fill gaps to keep those programs funded during shutdowns.

One way is to dip into reserve funding to cover SNAP benefits. Right now, it’s unclear how much is available and whether the White House will take this route.

“In previous administrations during government showdowns and shutdowns, they’ve never withheld aid to women and children and infants,” Castor said.

The Trump Administration has already worked to prevent the WIC program from running out of money.

“Ultimately, President Trump has been able to reallocate funds from the reciprocal tariffs to fund the WIC program,” said Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.

Luna requested funding to ensure families with babies don’t go without assistance.

However, both congressional members are at odds over reopening the government.

“We’ve really drawn a line in the sand. People deserve to be able to afford their life right now,” Castor said.

Castor does not have a timeline for re-opening the government, just one day after Luna gave a possible timeline.

“I’m hearing the government will not reopen until after thanksgiving,” Luna said. “Until this gets resolved in the senate, we’re not going to be called back into session.”

Democrats said they want a bill on the floor to prevent Affordable Care Act subsidies from expiring, along with reversing Medicaid cuts. Castor said that’ll help keep overall insurance premiums from rising. Republicans want a continuing resolution passed to temporarily fund the government for a few more weeks and then they’re open to discussions.

“We’ve sent over a clean CR, so why are we not back in session to have conversations about that,” Luna said.

Castor said time is almost up for coming up with a solution to help ease the cost of health insurance.

“We need to cancel the cuts immediately. Immediately. What’s happening is health insurance companies right now are finalizing their premiums. They’re going to be online here in Florida by November 1. We do not have time to wait. We cannot wait. There’s not a lot of trust out there too,” Castor said.

The shutdown continues with no resolution in sight.