SAN ANTONIO – The ongoing government shutdown, now in its 26th day, is causing increasing concern among military families and those reliant on food assistance programs.
With no resolution in sight, many in San Antonio and across the nation are anxious about their financial futures. The recent failure of the “Shutdown Fairness Act” in the Senate has left federal employees, including military personnel, uncertain about receiving their paychecks on Nov. 1.
Janet Sanchez expressed the frustration felt by many, stating, “It was gut-wrenching… Our military pay is hostage in the hands of people that we voted for to take care of us.”
Raleigh Smith Duttweiler echoed these sentiments, saying, “Right now, America’s military families are up at night at their kitchen table, worried about where ends are going to meet and where the next paycheck is going to come from.”
The shutdown’s impact extends beyond military families. In Bexar County, nearly 300,000 people rely on SNAP benefits, and many are turning to local food banks as funds dwindle.
Jadie Duke, a local resident, shared her struggles: “It’s just us three, and it, it’s, I’ve been trying to do things on my own and try to but it’s just, it’s been hard. It’s been really, really hard.”
As the shutdown continues, questions remain about whether President Trump will meet with Democrats to negotiate a deal or if the impasse will persist, potentially making this the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
The community awaits answers as the situation develops.