Senate Democrats Praise Kotek, Blame Trump as Federal Shutdown Threatens Food Aid

Salem, Oregon- Oregon Senate Democrats on Wednesday applauded Governor Tina Kotek’s emergency measures to address the looming loss of federal food assistance, while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans for what they called a “blockage of nutrition assistance for needy families.”

Kotek announced a $5 million state allocation to food banks, declared a food emergency, and urged Oregonians to support neighbors facing hunger as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains stalled amid the ongoing government shutdown. Nearly 757,000 Oregonians are expected to lose benefits beginning November 1 if federal funding is not restored.

“Community networks, individuals, and state government are doing all they can to weather the hardship that will come when 757,000 Oregonians lose SNAP benefits on November 1,” said Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D–East Portland, Boring & Damascus). “But the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress cannot dodge the fact that federal tax dollars from our state—nearly $42 billion a year—should be flowing back to Oregonians as essential services and benefits like food assistance.”

Democrats emphasized that local communities and state agencies are stepping up where the federal government has failed.

“It’s stunning to realize that a federal administration that finds ample funds for militant pet projects during the shutdown won’t do anything to keep families from brink of catastrophic hunger,” said Sen. Jeff Golden (D–Rogue Valley). “But that’s triggered a new wave of compassion in Southern Oregon; everyday people have the backs of their most vulnerable neighbors.”

Sen. Janeen Sollman (D–Forest Grove, Hillsboro & Rock Creek) called the use of food assistance as a “political bargaining chip” cruel and praised Kotek’s allocation of state resources. “Beyond providing financial resources, our food banks urgently need volunteers,” Sollman said. “Here in Western Washington County, Centro Cultural Food Mercado has told me they are in need of volunteers to help out. I encourage everyone to reach out to their local food pantry, whether you can volunteer your time or donate, every contribution matters.”

Sen. Deb Patterson (D–Salem), who serves on the Oregon Hunger Task Force, said the need for food access is at an all-time high. “I have long been convinced that we must do what we can to meet that need, and I crafted legislation earlier this year to help address this issue,” she said. “I am grateful to the Governor for this action to reduce hunger among families in communities across Oregon worsened by the government shutdown, and I urge the federal administration to move quickly to end this needless suffering.”

On October 28, the Senate failed for the 13th time to break a stalemate over a so-called “clean” continuing resolution (CR) aimed at reopening the federal government, voting 54-45 in favor of advancing the House-passed funding bill—which fell short of the 60 votes required for cloture.  The measure would have extended federal funding at current levels through November 21, without policy changes or new controversial riders, a structure that supporters describe as “clean” because it merely keeps the lights on while negotiations continue. Oregon Democratic Senators Merkley and Wyden both voted against the resolution.

The “clean” bill is backed by more than 300 trade groups and organizations—from aviation, agriculture, infrastructure and veterans sectors—urging lawmakers to act quickly to avoid further disruptions. House Republicans argue Senate Democrats are blocking the move despite the simple nature of the bill and the harm a prolonged shutdown is inflicting on federal workers, businesses and critical services. 

Oregon officials continue to press for the release of federal SNAP benefits as the state mobilizes emergency food assistance networks ahead of the November deadline.