No Family Should Go Hungry Because of Washington Gridlock

Across our communities, families who rely on CalFresh (known nationally as SNAP) are now facing avoidable delays and uncertainty in receiving their benefits due to the shutdown, adding unnecessary strain for many households, even as our community joins together to make sure no one goes without.

Just after the shutdown entered its sixth week and SNAP benefits began to lapse, I joined volunteers at the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry to assist in distributing groceries to local families. Parents, seniors, students, and workers from every walk of life were there — people who are doing everything right, yet still depend on CalFresh to close the gap each month.

With benefits now delayed, that support network of neighbors and volunteers has become even more essential.

Let me be very clear: No family should go hungry because of political brinkmanship in Washington.

The shutdown will end when Democrats and Republicans negotiate a bipartisan agreement. That’s how Congress is supposed to function. But so far, President Trump has refused to negotiate, and Congressional Republican leadership has not come to the table. Meanwhile, 22 million Americans are also facing steep increases in their health care costs next year if Congress does not act. These are not abstract policy debates — these decisions affect kitchen-table budgets, medical bills, and everyday dignity.

While I continue working in Washington to reopen the government and fully fund programs like CalFresh, my offices here at home remain open and ready to help and can be reached at 818-501-9200. If you or someone you know needs immediate food assistance, call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org to be connected with local food banks and support services.

And if you are a CalFresh recipient, please continue submitting your required paperwork as benefits will be issued retroactively once operations resume.

The federal government exists to serve the American people — not to be used as a bargaining chip. I will keep fighting to restore services, protect families, and prevent hunger in our communities.

I’ll also be hosting a Telephone Town Hall on Wednesday, November 19th at 7:00 PM to discuss the shutdown and hear directly from you. I hope you’ll join me so we can discuss the path ahead together.