States blame GOP shutdown for SNAP pause | JQJO

Blue states are pushing back over the shutdown’s fallout, posting alerts that blame President Donald Trump and Republicans for an expected pause or cut to November SNAP benefits. Massachusetts, California and Illinois published notices saying federal officials won’t fund food aid if the Republican shutdown continues, contrasting with the 2018–2019 lapse when payments were protected. The article says health care is at the center of the standoff, as Democrats seek to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies while Republicans allege Democrats want free care for undocumented immigrants. Sen. Ruben Gallego criticized Trump in an interview with Stephen Colbert.