Senator Kelly Criticizes Trump Administration Over SNAP Benefits Amidst Government Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, Democratic Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has voiced strong criticism of the Trump administration. Kelly accuses the administration of deliberately allowing the cessation of SNAP benefits to pressure Democrats into retreating from their healthcare demands.
The deadlock has persisted as Democrats remain firm on their condition to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, aiming to prevent a rise in healthcare premiums. Meanwhile, the expiration of SNAP benefits looms as ACA open enrollment commences this weekend.
Senator Kelly argues that the current predicament is avoidable, alleging that President Donald Trump is leveraging the potential loss of SNAP benefits, despite having the authority to maintain funding for the program. “It’s also really mean to put people in this situation,” Kelly stated. “It’s really kind of horrible when you think about it. I mean, the money is there. He doesn’t have to do this, he’s choosing to.”
Kelly highlights a contingency fund available to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which the agency has decided not to utilize to address the shortfall in SNAP benefits.
Accusing the administration of prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy over accessible healthcare, Kelly remarked, “We’re fighting for the American people to make sure things are affordable for them, specifically in this case their healthcare, and my Republican colleagues are fighting for billionaires and millionaires to make sure they get their tax cut.”
Kelly urged President Trump to actively participate in the negotiations. “He [Trump] has said he doesn’t want these premiums to go up for people. He has said that. So what’s the problem? He wants to reopen the government. He doesn’t want premiums to rise dramatically. We want the same thing. Why don’t we all get in a room and sort this out? We could sort it out in a day,” Kelly said.
He emphasized that while the president’s involvement is not typically required in congressional negotiations, the current scenario demands his leadership as Republicans seem reluctant to act without his guidance.
In Arizona, the impending end of SNAP benefits is a pressing concern. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has consistently stated that the state lacks the resources to compensate for the $156 million monthly that the program provides to numerous residents.
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