TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Federal officials are warning state agencies that benefits could be "delayed" or "interrupted" next month, if the shutdown continues.

During a virtual news conference on Thursday, Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor addressed those concerns.

“I think they'll be alright, but the bigger issue are the massive cuts already to SNAP and WIC that was already passed by Republicans,” Castor said.

The Hillsborough County congresswoman is more concerned with long term changes made from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act involving food assistance programs.

For the short term, Castor said it's common for any administration to fill gaps to keep those programs funded during shutdowns.

One way is to dip into reserve funding to cover SNAP benefits. Right now, it's unclear how much is availab

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