Scott Bessent
DemocratsMediaPolitics

Bessent Blasts Dems On SNAP Crisis: ‘Cross The Aisle And Reopen Government’

RNN Staff

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tore into congressional Democrats on Sunday, making clear that the ongoing crisis surrounding food stamp payments could be resolved immediately if just a handful of them were willing to put politics aside and vote to reopen the government.

Bessent appeared on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper, where he was questioned about the status of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid a government shutdown that’s left 42 million Americans in limbo.

“All it takes is five Democrats,” Bessent said bluntly. “Five Democrats crossing the aisle to vote with Republicans to reopen the government — that’s the fastest way to ensure SNAP recipients get their benefits.”

While Democrats have insisted President Trump use contingency funds already available, Bessent reiterated that the administration is seeking legal clarity. “We’ve got to hear from the courts,” he said. “We want to make sure we follow the proper legal process. President Trump wants people to get their food benefits — but we’re not going to violate the law to do it.”

Tapper pointed to a September 30th memo from the Department of Agriculture that claimed a $5 to $6 billion contingency fund could be used to pay out benefits for a limited time — roughly two to three weeks. Bessent didn’t deny that, but said again the legal ambiguity makes it difficult to move forward without court approval.

“Democrats are in the middle of a civil war,” he added. “That’s why the government is shut down in the first place. If they cared about the people relying on these benefits, they’d reopen the government today.”

Asked directly whether the administration would appeal a judge’s recent ruling ordering the continuation of benefits, Bessent said the process is still being reviewed. “We’re figuring out what the process is,” he explained. “But the fact is, none of this would be necessary if Democrats would do their job. We’re ready. The ball’s in their court.”

Ad Blocker Detected!

Refresh