TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma – Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner on Oct. 28 declared a state of emergency because of food insecurity caused by the federal government shutdown, making over $6.75 million in emergency relief funding available.
“I cannot predict what Congress or the president will do to stop the impending hunger crisis, but I know what the Cherokee Nation is going to do,” Hoskin said. “We’re going to protect those in our region who are most at risk of hunger due to the federal government shutdown.”
The federal government experienced a funding lapse on Oct. 1 due to the failure of Congress to approve appropriations. Since then, a wide range of government agencies, programs and services have been shut down.
On Oct. 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that no benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, would be paid in November as a result of the federal funding lapse.
“Our government is operating fully, our books are balanced and we have strategic reserves,” Warner said. “Our resources are not unlimited, but we cannot and will not stand by while people suffer. So, we are taking action.”
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Cherokee Nation leaders declare food emergency because of federal government shutdown - ICT
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