By Newsmax Wires | Friday, 31 October 2025 10:49 AM EDT
As the government shutdown enters its fifth week, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has intensified his criticism of Democrat obstruction, asserting that vital programs supporting low-income families are on the brink of collapse due to Democratic resistance to passing a funding bill.
In a Friday press release, Johnson stated: “Important programs that millions of low-income parents, children, and seniors depend on—from grocery assistance to early education—are on the verge of collapse.” He emphasized that while House Republicans had approved a “clean, non-partisan funding bill weeks ago,” Democrats continue to block it, acknowledging that the shutdown is one of the few instances where they hold “leverage,” even at the cost of harming American families.
Johnson specifically highlighted programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), warning that tens of millions face benefit interruptions. The statement noted that SNAP beneficiaries risk losing November benefits, with food banks preparing for a surge as assistance freezes. A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) memo dated Oct. 24 confirmed the $5 billion contingency fund cannot cover regular SNAP payments, potentially disrupting aid for over 40 million Americans.
He also warned of imminent threats to early childhood programs, stating that Head Start programs serving 750,000 children are “on the brink,” with nearly 65,000 kids at 140 programs facing grant disruptions. Some centers, like those in Tallahassee, Florida, have already closed after exhausting reserves.
Johnson contrasted Republican and Democratic actions, claiming Republicans have voted 14 times to fund SNAP, military pay, veterans’ health services, and other critical programs, while Democrats have blocked all efforts. He accused Democrats of prioritizing “ideology over aid,” leaving families hungry and classrooms dark.
The legislative stalemate persists as the Senate repeatedly rejects a clean continuing resolution, with Democrats blocking it via party-line votes. Republican leadership attributes the crisis to Democratic intransigence rather than their own reluctance to act.
