(LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Saturday that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will stop operating if Congress does not act before the federal government shuts down on November 1.

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program,” the USDA website reads. “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”

The statement adds, “We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

According to federal data, about 42 million Americans—roughly 12% of

See Full Page