As the federal government shutdown extends into its 24th day, the impact on millions of Americans continues to deepen, with urgent concerns arising over food security, federal employees’ livelihoods, and the broader national economy. The situation remains fluid and fraught with political tension, with little sign of an immediate resolution.
One of the most pressing issues is the looming threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. If federal funding for SNAP is frozen starting November 1 due to the shutdown, more than one million people in Massachusetts alone may face challenges obtaining food. Governor Maura Healey addressed this crisis at a news conference held in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where she announced the state’s efforts to mitigate the fallout. The Healey administration has partnered with local food banks and nonprofit organizations such as Project Bread and the United Way to support families who might otherwise go hungry.
To bolster these efforts, they launched the United Response Fund, designed to raise donations and channel resources to organizations ensuring food availability and accessibility within communities. “Those who have the means, this is the time to step up,” Healey urged, noting her personal commitment to contribute. Marty Martinez, CEO of United Way of Mass Bay, emphasized the fund’s goal to invest in grassroots efforts that not only provide food but also make it accessible to those in need.
This food assistance crisis reflects a nationwide problem. Several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Texas, have issued alerts warning SNAP recipients that benefits may not be disbursed until the shutdown ends and federal funds are restored. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the program, notified state agencies in early October that if the government remains unfunded, there will be insufficient resources to pay full November benefits. Despite repeated requests for comment, neither the White House nor the USDA provided further clarity on the potential consequences for millions who rely on food aid.
Political leaders have clashed over the causes and solutions to the crisis. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Republicans and former President Donald Trump for what he described as "weaponizing hunger" to advance extreme right-wing policies within the spending bill. Jeffries highlighted the fact that Republicans had enacted significant cuts to SNAP last year—totaling $186 billion—the largest reduction in the program’s history, while simultaneously providing tax breaks to wealthy donors. He insisted that “not a single American should go hungry” and criticized GOP lawmakers for their handling of the shutdown and food assistance programs.
Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives remains largely inactive, exacerbating legislative gridlock. The House has been out of session for over a month, with the last recorded votes on September 19. During a brief pro forma session on Friday, it was announced that the House would remain out of session for another week, with Speaker Mike Johnson declaring the upcoming week a district work period. Although House Democrats plan to return to Washington for an in-person caucus meeting, the Republican-controlled House has officially canceled votes scheduled for Monday, making it unlikely that any legislative progress will occur without a Senate-brokered deal to end the shutdown.
Controversy also surrounds the delayed swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election last month to fill the late Congressman Raul Grijalva’s seat from Arizona. Speaker Johnson has postponed her swearing-in, prompting frustration among Democrats. During Friday’s pro forma session, Maryland Democratic Rep. April McClain Delaney attempted to demand that Grijalva be sworn in but was denied recognition and the House was promptly adjourned by GOP Rep. Adrian Smith, who was presiding.
The shutdown’s strain extends deeply into the federal workforce, splitting employees into two groups: furloughed workers who are temporarily laid off without pay, and essential workers who continue to perform their duties without compensation. Approximately 670,000 federal employees are furloughed, while about 730,000 essential workers—including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers—are working without pay.
Jill Hornick, a 59-year-old Social Security Administration service representative in Illinois, exemplifies the hardship faced by essential workers. Though she is required to report to work every day, she has not received a paycheck since October 10, which itself covered fewer days than she had worked. Hornick shared her frustration that while furloughed employees can collect unemployment benefits, essential workers like her are not eligible