Maxwell Frost urges state to stopgap SNAP funding as Republicans lay blame on Democrats

With a federal shutdown threatening food assistance programs, Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost wants Florida to offer a stopgap.

But that comes as Washington Republicans increasingly put blame on congressional Democrats for stalled talks.

If a government shutdown continues into November, it could mean money stops flowing for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including for some 3 million Florida recipients.

Frost, an Orlando Democrat, sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and to Senate President Ben Albritton urging them to step in and address the matter.

“Floridians are already dealing with worsening unemployment and soaring grocery prices. Food banks in Central Florida have already been reporting a record number of neighbors in need and strained resources,” Frost wrote.

“For the millions of Floridians who rely on SNAP, the Republican government shutdown makes worse the result of President (Donald) Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which will cut off an estimated 180,000 Floridians from SNAP because expanded, irrational, and cruel new work requirements now include people over 60, young people leaving foster care, and veterans. Because of Florida’s high error rate, come 2027, Florida will have to find an estimated $340 million to fund the state’s cost share of SNAP under the new law as well.”

He urged Florida leaders to call a Special Session and address the funding lapse.

“But our residents deserve a plan in the case that President Trump lacks the willingness to deliver,” Frost wrote. “Please respond to this letter, not in writing, but in action, by holding a Special Session and funding SNAP for Florida.”

Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has stepped up attacks on Democrats in vulnerable districts, saying the continued shutdown threatening food assistance is the responsibility of Democrats in Washington.

The group issued statements slamming U.S. Reps. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, and Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat. Both lawmakers represent districts Republicans believe could be flipped to GOP control next year.

“Democrat Darren Soto manufactured this shutdown, and now families are bracing for empty pantries. It’s backward, cruel, and totally avoidable,” said Maureen O’Toole, a spokesperson for the NRCC.

She sent a similar statement out about Moskowitz.

Most U.S. House members from Florida are not in session, but negotiations on reopening the budget are unfolding now primarily in the Senate, where Democrats have held back support over a failure to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

That’s an issue that disproportionately impacts Florida, with the 10 top districts in the country for ACA enrollment all in the Sunshine State.

But with most officials on Capitol Hill now fearing the shutdown will extend into November, conversations are starting to move toward the potential threat to SNAP funding.