Senator Luján Urges Bipartisan Support for SNAP Funding Restoration

Commitment to Bipartisan Collaboration

• 🤝 Senator Luján emphasizes the importance of working across party lines, stating that policy should rise above partisanship.
• 💡 He seeks confirmation that the nominee will be responsive to all colleagues, regardless of party, to address constituent needs.
• ✅ The nominee commits to fostering a working relationship with members and staff, aiming for quick and responsive service.

Supporting Agricultural Producers

• 🚜 The nominee assures that USDA policies will not leave specialty crop producers behind, a key concern for states like New Mexico.
• 🐄 Luján highlights challenges faced by ranchers in getting cattle to processing facilities and seeks commitment to removing barriers for small and local producers.
• 🤝 The nominee agrees to partner with Senator Luján and Senator Ernst on legislation to address these barriers.

Urgent Need for SNAP Funding

• 🍎 SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding is at risk of closing for the first time in history.
• 💰 Luján points out that $5 billion is available in a fund for the Secretary of Agriculture, with an additional $23 billion potentially accessible through tariff money under Section 32.
• ⚠️ He expresses concern that current rules and a lack of sufficient funds could lead to the program's closure, urging bipartisan cooperation to prevent this.
• 🙏 Luján shares that he and many others are praying for a resolution to ensure the continuation of these vital food programs.