Tennessee Democrats urge Gov. Lee to fund SNAP during federal shutdown, as 690,000 face benefit loss.

Tennessee House Democrats are urging Governor Bill Lee to call a special session to use state funds to maintain SNAP and other federal aid programs amid the ongoing government shutdown, which threatens benefits for nearly 690,000 Tennesseans. While October benefits were issued, November disbursements are uncertain without federal funding. The state says it cannot provide SNAP benefits without federal authorization, despite having reserves. Democrats argue the state can temporarily fill the gap, criticizing federal inaction, while the governor’s office maintains Congress bears responsibility. The shutdown, now over 22 days, began after funding bills failed, and the USDA warns millions nationwide could lose benefits if unresolved by November 1.