**Democrats Lose “Leverage” as Government Shutdown Hits SNAP Funding**
The government shutdown continues unabated, despite the looming deadline for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding. As fractious factions on Capitol Hill careened closer to the impending cutoff in food stamp benefits, one question lingered: “They wouldn’t stop feeding Americans in need, would they?” The grim reality is—they would.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) acknowledged this in a recent interview, saying, “I mean, shutdowns are terrible and of course there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have.”
Both sides of the aisle are shamelessly putting party politics before people, despite understanding the serious consequences of their inaction. SNAP benefits officially stopped on Saturday, leaving millions of vulnerable Americans without critical support.
### A Flicker of Hope Amid the Crisis
There is a small ray of hope. Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to provide at least partial food stamp benefits for November. Late Friday, the president posted on Truth Social that he instructed administration lawyers to seek legal guidance from the courts on how to fund the benefits as quickly as possible.
“Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out,” Trump added.
However, as CNN reports, the available contingency fund at the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not have enough cash to cover the full cost of the benefits, meaning shortfalls are likely.
### Americans Stepping Up Where Government Falls Short
With government paralysis leaving millions at risk, the American people are stepping up. Across the country, news outlets are reporting on individuals stocking food banks and donating directly to families in need. Stores and restaurants are also providing food and funds to local food pantries.
Americans are helping Americans because their government is dropping the ball.
### Who’s Actually Taking Responsibility?
When the shutdown finally ends—whenever that may be—D.C. politicians are expected to rush to claim credit as heroes amid the chaos. Yet, one lawmaker has stood out for a tangible proposal aimed at preventing future shutdowns.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham introduced a constitutional amendment last week that would require members of Congress to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns. He stated, “If members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns and they would end quicker.”
Graham went further, suggesting, “Not only should members of Congress not get paid during shutdowns, but the forfeited salaries should be used to pay down the federal debt.”
In a show of good faith, Senator Graham announced he is donating his paycheck to charity during the shutdown. Others on Capitol Hill have also agreed to forgo pay until the government reopens.
### The Bottom Line
While Graham’s plan is commendable and those forfeiting pay are making thoughtful gestures, the real issue remains: hungry families are not “leverage.” They are people whom their government has betrayed unconscionably.
Hopefully—though it is a big leap—some politicians will come to this realization and rediscover the lost art of consensus building. If lawmakers in Washington need inspiration on how to truly serve their constituents, they should look to the individuals and businesses working tirelessly to fill the void created by this shutdown.
Our fellow Americans are putting our politicians to shame. It’s time for those in power to put people over politics and end this crisis now.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/02/editorial-americans-step-up-when-congress-fails/