Horsford, Nevada Congressional Democrats to Gov. Lombardo: Protect Nevadans on SNAP
October 24, 2025
As Republic-led Government Shutdown Drags on, 500k Nevadans Could Lose Only Source of Groceries
NORTH LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) today led a letter co-signed by Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) to Nevada Governor Joseph Lombardo urging he do everything within his power to mitigate the harmful impacts of the Republican-led government shutdown on Nevadans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits – including calling for a Special Session of the Legislature.
The letter comes as Rep. Horsford is set to visit The After Market food pantry (4337 Las Vegas Blvd.) from 3:00 to 3:45pm to discuss how the federal government shutdown is directly affecting federal workers, active military, and veterans. The After Market has seen daily demand rise from 150 to 200 people, with 35 percent of clients connected to the military.
“As the Republican Shutdown drags on, the most vulnerable among us also have the most to lose,” Rep. Horsford said. “SNAP is a lifeline for nearly half-a-million Nevadans, and drives commerce at grocery and convenience stores across our state. The program is the difference between a warm meal or going without, while also creating jobs and helping small businesses thrive.
“I urge Governor Lombardo to do everything within his power to protect SNAP recipients from the harm political gamesmanship is causing across the country,” Horsford continued. “Whether through official actions or by simply picking up the phone and telling his fellow Republicans to end this cruelty, the Governor must act.”
As the letter notes, a lapse in SNAP benefits would have far-reaching consequences for Nevada beginning in November 2025. The program serves approximately 500,000 Nevadans each month – including 39 percent of children, 19 percent of older adults, and 31 percent of people with disabilities. The program also supports more than 3,200 full- and part-time workers across the state, sustaining both working families and local economies.
The letter also raised concerns increasing pressure on local food panties like the After Market at a time when they have already experienced unprecedented demand over the past four months.
Key excerpts:
As the Republican shutdown continues, many families who depend on SNAP will likely turn to food pantries for help. Unfortunately, these critical community-based organizations are already stretched thin by rising demand and reduced federal support under H.R. 1. In fact, as a result of this partisan law, Nevada will be forced to reallocate at least $19 million in the current biennium, and $25 million annually thereafter – resources that could otherwise be used to fight hunger or strengthen community partners.
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Without swift action, a funding shortfall of this magnitude will only deepen Nevada’s worsening hunger crisis, especially when coupled with benefits lost as a result of the Republican shutdown.
The threat to SNAP comes as the program is already experiencing deep cuts as a result of the Republican’s “Big Beautiful” bill in July. Approximately 4 million people in a typical month will lose some or all of their SNAP food benefits once the GOP’s changes are fully implemented, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Full text of the lawmakers’ letter is available here.
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Issues:Economy