Senate adopts resolution urging Congress to end shutdown, seek reimbursement for state SNAP expenses
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Summary
The Louisiana Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 1 asking Congress to end the federal shutdown and to adopt the House-passed continuing resolution; the resolution also makes clear the Senate expects reimbursement if Louisiana covers SNAP costs during the lapse in federal funding. The measure passed on a 29-9 recorded vote.
The Louisiana Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 1, a memorial to the U.S. Congress to end the federal government shutdown and to adopt the continuing resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Cathy, also asks that the federal government reimburse the state if Louisiana steps in to temporarily cover SNAP benefits.
Sponsor remarks noted precedent for federal reimbursement in 2014 and framed the resolution as both an appeal to Congress and a protection for the state. "We are stepping up for the federal government, but we want our money back," Senator Cathy said, asking colleagues to adopt the resolution.
Some senators expressed concern about the resolution's language and whether it should direct specific congressional votes. Senator Jackson Andrews said he supported reimbursement but did not want the state to prescribe how Louisiana's congressional delegation should vote on national legislation.
When the machines closed, the Senate recorded 29 yays and 9 nays and the resolution was concurred in. The measure does not itself appropriate funds; it is a formal memorial expressing the Senate's position and request for federal action and reimbursement.
