As the federal government shutdown continues into its second month, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) has shared information about the potential impact on two major nutrition assistance programs: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Both programs face uncertainty as funding is threatened by the ongoing budget impasse.
“SNAP and WIC serve as lifelines for tens of thousands of people across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “It is unacceptable for either side of the aisle to use food as political leverage. It is far past time to reopen the government and get back to work. No parent should have to worry about feeding their child because Washington cannot get its act together.”
Following a visit to a local Maternal and Family Health Services clinic last week, Rep. Bresnahan introduced H.R. 5836, known as the Keep WIC Working Act. This bill would provide funding for WIC during any government shutdown this year. In recent weeks, WIC has relied on contingency funds and emergency allocations from the Trump Administration to continue operations.
In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Bresnahan stated: “We’re grateful that the administration found funds through the end of October,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “But the goal here is to not have innocent women, infants, and children suffer because of legislators not being able to pass a budget…we can’t keep relying on paper clips and bubble gum to get us through. We need a long-term solution.”
Rep. Bresnahan also supports H.R. 5822, called the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025, which aims to ensure continued SNAP funding during future shutdowns.
Currently, approximately 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits nationwide; in Rep. Bresnahan’s district alone, 58,000 households depend on this support each month. Due to lack of appropriations caused by the shutdown, SNAP benefits will be suspended starting November 1, 2025—no new payments will be loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards until after government operations resume.
WIC serves nearly 6.9 million people monthly across the country—including an estimated 14,000 participants in Northeastern Pennsylvania—but it remains uncertain whether additional emergency funds will be made available if the shutdown persists.
Rep. Bresnahan’s offices in Washington and Northeastern Pennsylvania remain open for constituent services during this period.
Lists of local food banks and pantries are available for residents in Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, Monroe County, Pike County, and Wayne County.
