For over two weeks, beginning November 1st, the Trump administration halted funding for SNAP benefits in an effort to persuade Democrats to support the GOP-sponsored stopgap funding bill. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits help provide food for over 42 million Americans who depend on government assistance to survive. The defunding of SNAP benefits spawned overwhelming criticism and outrage directed at the White House following the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the president’s ability to partially fund the program. When asked if she thinks it was fair to stop SNAP benefits to gain political leverage, Mrs. Nora Weisz, the director of theatre at LJHS, stated, “In past government shutdowns, SNAP benefits have never been affected, and I believe that taking food from vulnerable communities can be used as a control tactic.” Mrs. Weisz further expanded, commenting that she thinks many families that rely on SNAP benefits went hungry during the shutdown because of this situation. However, Harper Lane, a LJHS senior, said, “I’m sure there is a way for the government to figure out a way to help lower-income families that doesn’t stir up as much drama as what’s happening right now.” The government’s reopening has sent states scrambling to assist their residents, offering hope for those whose lives were profoundly disrupted by the 43-day government shutdown, the longest in US history.