Rep. Doris Matsui, a member of the U.S. Congress representing California’s 7th district since 2005, used her social media platform on November 4, 2025, to address concerns about delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and criticize federal actions during an ongoing government shutdown.
In a post made at 03:19 UTC, Matsui expressed appreciation for local leaders responding to the needs of Sacramento residents affected by the delay in SNAP benefits. She wrote, “I’m grateful to Amber Stott of the Food Literacy Center and Sam Greenlee of Alchemist CDC for stepping up when our neighbors need it most. With families still waiting for their November SNAP benefits, their creative, hands-on leadership is keeping people fed, healthy, and”.
Later that day at 20:46 UTC, Matsui criticized the Trump Administration’s handling of SNAP benefits during what she described as a Republican-led government shutdown. She stated, “As the Republican shutdown drags on, the Trump Administration is doubling down on their cruel choice to ignore a federal court order demanding they provide SNAP benefits for November. They may be willing to abandon vulnerable Americans, but my Democratic colleagues and I will”.
At 22:40 UTC on the same day, Matsui continued her criticism regarding the use of food assistance as leverage in political negotiations. She posted, “Using food as leverage is as cruel and un-American as it gets. In Sacramento, we’ll never let our neighbors suffer because Donald Trump and Republicans refuse to do their job. I won’t sit back and let that kind of inaction be normalized or excused. I am here for the people of”.
Doris Matsui has been active in Congress since succeeding Bob Matsui in 2005 and currently resides in Sacramento. Born in Poston, Arizona in 1944 and a graduate of UC Berkeley with a BA earned in 1966, she has long advocated for policies addressing food insecurity and community welfare.
The current situation highlighted by Matsui involves delayed distribution of SNAP benefits amid a prolonged government shutdown and legal disputes over benefit provision—a recurring issue affecting vulnerable populations across the country.
