Florida Congresswomen Tackle Food Assistance Challenges During Government Shutdown

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Federal authorities have issued a caution to state agencies regarding the possibility of benefits being “delayed” or “interrupted” next month if the government shutdown persists.

Democratic Representative Kathy Castor addressed these issues during a virtual press conference on Thursday.

“I believe they’ll manage for now, but the more significant concern is the substantial reductions to SNAP and WIC programs that Republicans have already enacted,” stated Castor.

In related news, Florida’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against California and Washington over their ‘sanctuary’ policies following a tragic U-turn crash.

Congresswoman Castor from Hillsborough County is particularly worried about long-term changes stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which impact food assistance initiatives.

In the short term, Castor mentioned that it’s typical for any administration to find ways to maintain funding for these programs during government shutdowns.

“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.