Deb Haaland Calls on Republicans to End Shutdown as SNAP Benefits Lapse

Their cruelty is not uncommon... This whole mess is a test - to see how far they can go with digital ID, control, to capture us with digital surveillance and digital money, and no more cash. RESIST! Trace

By Native News Online Staff|  November 03, 2025

Native Vote. New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland released a statement Monday as the federal government shutdown entered its 31st day, warning that thousands of New Mexicans are facing food insecurity and healthcare challenges.

“For the last 31 days, federal workers across the country have been furloughed, working without pay, missing paychecks, and facing the uncertainty of being fired,” Haaland said. “Today, millions of Americans face an added hardship as SNAP benefits lapse. That’s at least 460,000 New Mexicans who won’t know where their next meal will come from.”

Haaland said she appreciates state leaders who extended funding for food programs by 10 days and acknowledged that recent court intervention has offered temporary relief.

“In New Mexico, we are proud to have leaders who are funding the program for an additional ten days, and while the courts have stepped in for now, these are not long-term solutions,” she said. “I am grateful to all of the community groups, volunteers, churches, and others who are working to stock and expand food banks in their neighborhoods. The only real solution however is for Republicans to do their jobs and have the backbone to fight for what’s right.”

She also criticized Republican lawmakers for contributing to rising healthcare costs, noting the start of open enrollment amid the shutdown.

“Today also marks the first day of open enrollment. Republicans passed a law that forced healthcare premiums to skyrocket, and New Mexicans will pay the price,” Haaland said. “This means in a state that is already facing a shortage of healthcare workers, New Mexicans won’t get the coverage they need, won’t be able to see a doctor when they need to, and will have even longer wait times between appointments.”

Haaland warned that the shutdown’s effects extend beyond food and healthcare.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “The wellbeing of New Mexicans and Americans across the country is on the brink. Republicans in Washington, D.C. need to do their job. In the meantime, it’s more clear than ever that state governments are the front lines and as governor, I will always fight for solutions to make sure that New Mexicans are fed, healthy, and safe.”

SOURCE:  https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/deb-haaland-calls-on-republicans-to-end-shutdown-as-snap-benefits-lapse 

IN ALL THE TREATIES, tribes are promised food (as in health, education, welfare.)

WHAT ABOUT COMMODITIES:

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations and in Oklahoma. Many households participate in FDPIR as an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

FNS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), oversees FDPIR at the federal level. The program is administered by FDPIR administering agencies, which are either Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) or state governmental agencies. As of fiscal year (FY) 2024, 110 agencies administer FDPIR, including 107 ITOs and 3 state agencies.

USDA purchases and ships USDA Foods to administering agencies, which then store and distribute the foods, determine applicant eligibility, and provide nutrition education to recipients. USDA also provides administering agencies with funds for program administrative costs.

FDPIR is authorized under Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973. Federal regulations governing the program can be found at 7 CFR Parts 250, 253, and 254.

For a complete list of available foods, see the USDA Foods Available List for FDPIR.

 

Funding

In FY 2024, $170 million was appropriated for FDPIR – approximately $68.6 million for the federal share of administrative costs, and the remainder for food purchases.

Participation

Average FDPIR monthly participation for FY 2023 was 49,339 individuals. For more information visit the interactive FNS Program Participation Dashboard.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/food-distribution-program-indian-reservations