Raleigh, N.C. — Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement as SNAP funding is set to run out tomorrow due to the ongoing federal shutdown:

“Tomorrow, 1.4 million North Carolinians and more than 42 million Americans could lose the federal support they depend on to put food on their kitchen tables. This includes millions of children, the elderly, veterans, those with disabilities, and many of our most vulnerable neighbors here in the Triangle.

“Donald Trump is shamefully refusing to use his executive powers in the way Congress authorized to ensure SNAP is funded during the shutdown. He and his Republican allies have seen this moment coming for 31 days, and not once have they sat down with Democrats to find a path out of this situation. They control the federal government, and they have the power to end this harmful shutdown and ensure children and families across North Carolina have healthy food to eat. 

“I once again call on President Trump and the Republican congressional leadership to come to the table and negotiate an end to the shutdown that preserves access to healthcare and nutrition assistance. The people of North Carolina deserve real leadership not endless political games.”