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Demanding the Trump Administration Stop Using Hunger as a Political Weapon
What’s happening: On November 1st, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits lapsed for millions of Americans for the first time in the program’s history after the Trump Administration withheld emergency funding to support the program during the Republican government shutdown.
The Trump Administration has the legal tools to release billions of dollars to continue funding SNAP during the shutdown. However, the Administration announced that it would use available funding to cover only 65% of SNAP benefits for the month of November after two federal judges ordered President Trump to continue funding SNAP. This week, President Trump threatened to illegally withhold all SNAP benefits until the shutdown ends. Following this, a judge in Rhode Island ordered President Trump to make full SNAP payments by today, November 7th; however, the Administration is appealing this decision.
SNAP is America’s largest and most effective program to fight hunger. Any disruption to SNAP benefits is devastating for the 600,000 Coloradans who depend on the program to put food on the table.
What I believe: In Colorado, county governments like Chaffee, Pitkin, Routt, and Summit are responding to the emergency President Trump has created by giving grocery store gift cards to families who have lost their SNAP benefits – but that’s not enough to offset the damage. Despite having the legal power and the funding to ensure Colorado families continue to receive their full SNAP benefits, President Trump continues to threaten to withhold or delay funding. President Trump and Republicans must stop using hunger as a political weapon, follow the law, and fully fund SNAP – immediately.
What I’m doing: This week, I spoke on the Senate floor denouncing the Trump Administration for playing politics with Coloradans’ SNAP benefits. I also introduced a resolution calling on Senate Republicans to force President Trump to immediately use all congressionally approved funding to keep families from going hungry. Last week, I joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus to introduce the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to ensure that President Trump follows the law and fully funds SNAP benefits for Coloradans.
2. Fighting to Prevent Health Care Premiums from Skyrocketing for Coloradans
What’s happening: For months, Congressional Democrats have tried to negotiate with Republicans to extend critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that nearly 225,000 Coloradans rely on. Republicans continue to refuse to extend this lifeline. Since open enrollment began, I have heard daily from Coloradans whose health care premiums are set to skyrocket in 2026. Working families across our state are terrified that they will no longer be able to afford their insurance coverage, and many will be forced to make the impossible choice between paying for health care and affording other basic necessities.
In Ridgway: Mark and his wife will see their premiums quadruple next year. With a history of medical issues, Mark’s family cannot live without health insurance – so they must now figure out how they will pay over $17,000 for their coverage in 2026.
In Littleton: Dave, a father of five, will see his family’s health insurance plan increase by $1,500 per month in 2026. This devastating increase is more than his family’s budget can bear, and they are now being forced to consider dropping their insurance coverage.
In Englewood: Cyndi will have to pay $1,200 more per month to keep her health care coverage in 2026. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, Cyndi has relied on her Connect for Health plan to get the life-saving treatment she needed. Now, she faces the impossible choice of skipping her annual appointments or paying for coverage she cannot afford.
What I’m doing: The ACA health care tax credits are critical for countless families across Colorado and the country. I will keep fighting in Washington to shine a light on this crisis and extend the tax credits Coloradans need to afford their health care. If you have seen your 2026 premiums skyrocket, please share your story with my office by calling 202-224-5852 or writing to me via my website.
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