Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has just declared a state of emergency, warning that the federal government shutdown, which he blames squarely on congressional Democrats, will soon leave hundreds of thousands of Virginians without food assistance.
“The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting November 1, 2025,” Youngkin said Thursday.
“I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as leverage by Congressional Democrats.
“I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need.”
The move marks one of the strongest state-level rebukes yet to the ongoing budget impasse in Washington.
Youngkin said Virginia’s emergency declaration will allow the state to temporarily continue food benefits to residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, until Congress acts.
Youngkin Calls on Warner and Kaine to End the Standoff
Youngkin specifically called on Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) to support a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government, an offer Republicans say Democrats have repeatedly blocked.
“This is an extraordinary action and is only necessary because of the shamelessness of congressional Democrats—including every Democrat in our entire delegation—who refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the federal government,” the governor said.
Youngkin credited President Donald Trump for supporting his efforts to shield Virginians from the shutdown’s fallout.
State Vows to Keep Families Fed
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to succeed Youngkin, pledged that the administration would not allow Virginia families to go hungry because of Washington’s gridlock.
“At Governor Youngkin’s direction, food benefits will be provided without interruption to support Virginia families,” Earle-Sears said in a statement.
The Department of Agriculture has projected that federal SNAP funds will run out nationwide in early November if the shutdown continues, placing additional pressure on states to fill the gap.
Other States Sound Alarm, But Stop Short of Action
Officials in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois have issued warnings about looming SNAP shortfalls.
However, none of their governors have yet declared similar emergency measures.
The November 1 date cited by Youngkin aligns with USDA projections for when federal food benefits will be exhausted.
Political Fallout
Youngkin’s action adds to growing pressure on Democrats in Washington.
Democrats have now blocked multiple GOP efforts to reopen the government.
Republicans have accused Democratic leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), of prolonging the shutdown for political leverage rather than policy disputes.
With the shutdown now stretching into its fourth week, millions of Americans, including essential federal workers, are bracing for further disruptions.
Meanwhile, governors like Youngkin are stepping in to prevent immediate harm at the state level.
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.