Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is calling on President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to take urgent, bipartisan action to end the federal government shutdown and prevent what he describes as an impending national emergency related to food insecurity.

Maher sent formal letters to President Trump and to Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand this week, urging them to secure continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other critical nutrition supports before the Nov. 1 deadline. Without immediate action, SNAP benefits and food stamps for more than 42 million Americans—including more than 3 million New Yorkers—are at risk of being disrupted.

“We are less than 48 hours away from a national emergency,” Maher said. “If Washington fails to act, millions of families—including children, seniors and veterans—could lose access to basic nutrition support. This is not a partisan issue; this is about preventing hunger and protecting the most vulnerable among us.”

Maher emphasized that local food banks, community organizations and social service providers across the Hudson Valley are already preparing for a surge in demand if the shutdown continues. “These organizations are stretched thin as it is,” Maher said. “They cannot absorb a crisis of this magnitude without federal leadership.”

In his letter to the president, Maher urged the administration to use any and all executive authority necessary to secure uninterrupted SNAP funding. In his letter to Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand, he called for immediate passage of a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government and stabilize critical services.

“The government and its employees, along with the countless families and small businesses affected, must not be used as leverage in broader policy negotiations,” Maher wrote. “Addressing this crisis is essential to preventing further hardship and restoring confidence in our institutions.”

Maher concluded by calling for “decisive, principled leadership” from both parties to avert disaster:

“This is a moment for unity and compassion. We must put politics aside and ensure no American goes hungry.”