U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds issued the following statement on Thursday:
“This is deeply concerning news for the families in the CNMI who rely on NAP benefits to put food on the table. I’ve been in contact with both the CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program and USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service this week, and my office will continue working with them to see where funds can be unlocked in the absence of congressional action ending the current shut down.
“This is not just a CNMI issue. Millions of Americans across the country face the same uncertainty and when Congress passes a budget, the disruption to food assistance programs, including SNAP and NAP, will be resolved. But until the very minute before that happens, I will continue pressing for short-term solutions to ensure our families in the CNMI don’t go hungry.
“The timing could not be worse. NAP has just successfully rolled out the EBT card system, which is a huge step forward in improving access and efficiency. Unfortunately, that amazing accomplishment is now being overshadowed and complicated by the impacts of the federal shutdown. I am remaining in Washington to push for resolution and will do everything I can to ensure this issue stays front and center.”
