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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warns that millions of Americans could lose food stamp benefits starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.
He blamed Democrats for refusing to vote on measures to reopen the government and restore SNAP funding, saying the USDA is running out of money to keep millions of Americans fed.
“We're right on the edge of the cliff. And I've been warning about this for almost a month, that we have enough money to get us through the end of October. But after that, the government has to reopen,” Rollins said Tuesday on “America Reports.”
SOCIAL SECURITY, AIRPORTS, FOOD STAMPS: HOW ARE YOU AFFECTED DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
The government shutdown has entered its fourth week amid a standoff over health care. Democrats say they won't agree to reopen the government unless a bill includes an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire in 2025.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins speaks with Texas Governor Greg Abbott during a press conference at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on August 15. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
They argue that failing to act before open enrollment in November could raise premiums for millions of Americans, while Republicans say they won't negotiate until the government reopens.
“Hunger does not have a political party. Poverty does not distinguish between Republican or Democratic, blue or red states. It is real,” Rollins said.
Democrats have called on the Trump administration to use the federal government's SNAP contingency funds, but the USDA has argued that they are not legally allowed to use those funds in this situation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference at the United States Capitol on the tenth day of the federal government shutdown on October 10, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images)
TRUMP ADMIN WARNS THAT 42 MILLION AMERICANS COULD LOSE FOOD STAMPS AS SHUTDOWN PROLONGES
House Speaker Mike Johnson agreed, saying the legal analyzes he's seen say the funds should have been previously appropriated for this use. That means SNAP funds could run out on Saturday.
A USDA memo obtained by Fox News Digital estimates that 42 million people could lose their SNAP benefits starting in November.
Rollins accused Democrats of using “poor and vulnerable people as leverage” in their fight for health care.
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“Democrats continue to vote over and over again to keep this government closed,” Rollins said.
“It's surprising to me. I don't understand what they're thinking.”
