Virginia Governor Declares ‘State of Emergency’ Over ‘Democrat’ Shutdown: ‘I Refuse to Let Hungry Virginians Be Used as Leverage’

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) declared a state of emergency in Old Dominion on Thursday over the ongoing government shutdown, specifically citing the fact that funding for the  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to dry out as of November 1.

“The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting November 1, 2025. 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,” said Youngkin in a press release. “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. I once again call on Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine to end this nonsense and vote to pass a clean CR.”

“The Commonwealth will provide food benefits until Congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics,” he concluded. “I thank President Trump and his Administration for their help as they continue to provide support to Virginians in need.”

Congressional Democrats continue to hold out on a “clean” continuing resolution to fund the government at the same levels as before the shutdown began, instead demanding that short-term Obamacare subsidies be extended. Republicans have argued negotiations over subsidies should proceed after the passage of the CR.