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Republican U.S. Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana is facing backlash online after saying that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who don’t have one month of groceries stockpiled should never receive the benefit again, and added, “because wow, stop smoking crack.”

Newsweek reached out to Higgins’ office via phone Thursday night for comment after hours and left a message.

Why It Matters

The fate of SNAP has become a critical flashpoint in the ongoing federal government shutdown, with nearly 42 million Americans facing potential interruptions in food assistance.

The benefits are expected to stop being issued on November 1, which has prompted Democratic Governor of New York Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency and calls for GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson to open Congress to vote on a bill to fund the program.

The controversy sheds light on broader policy and cultural battles over safety net programs, the federal budget and the use of political leverage in times of crisis.

What To Know

Taking to X on Thursday, Higgins, 64, said: “There are 22 million American households receiving SNAP benefits for groceries, at $4200 per year on average. Try to get your head wrapped around how many pantries you can stock with $4200 dollars in properly shopped groceries. Any American who has been receiving $4200 dollars per year of free groceries and does NOT have at least 1 month of groceries stocked should never again receive SNAP, because wow, stop smoking crack.”

The post sparked criticism online as Higgins was accused of playing into stereotypes and questioned about how much he spends on groceries.

Sarah Stogner, Republican district attorney for Texas’ 143rd Judicial District, reacted to Higgins on X Thursday, saying, “‘Stop smoking crack.’ Way to play to old stereotypes. How much do you spend annually on food? I bet you have no idea. When was the last time you personally did the grocery shopping for your family?”

What People Are Saying

Miranda Yaver, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh, on Bluesky Thursday in reaction to Higgins’ comments: “Republicans: Stop eating processed foods. Make healthy choices: eat more fresh food. Also, Republicans: You’re irresponsible if you don’t have a month’s food supply on hand to live on when we can’t keep the government open. More context: Avg. SNAP benefit is $6.20/person/day. Not enough to live.”

Author Kristine Rudolph, also on Bluesky Thursday: “Tell us you don’t do the grocery shopping in your house without telling us you don’t do the grocery shopping in your house.”

Bruno Pereira, New Jersey Libertarian Party chair, on X Thursday: “During COVID, I was spending $200 a week for baby formula. That’s over $10,000 a year. So what the hell are you talking about $4200, as if it is alot? When was the last time you went grocery shopping? Completely and absolutely out of touch. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Tim Lambert, editor-in-chief of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, on Bluesky Thursday: “That is about $80 a week.”

What Happens Next

Amid mounting criticism, the future of SNAP remains uncertain as legal and political battles continue. The Keep SNAP Funded Act, introduced by Republican U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, proposes Congress appropriate funds to continue benefits during shutdowns.

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Republican U.S. Representative Clay Higgins is pictured at a budget hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 2024. (Photo by JULIA NIKHINSON/AFP via Getty Images)

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