Reed to hold rallies, meetings aiming to put pressure on Trump administration

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)– In an attempt to reverse cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the federal budget bill that has already passed the House of Representatives, Senator Jack Reed will hold a press conference with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and local pantries on Friday.

The bill would cut $300 billion in SNAP funding should it go into effect.

According to Reed, 17,000 Rhode Islanders and 7 million Americans would lose access to food assistance should the cuts go through.

Over 144,000 Rhode Islanders currently receive SNAP benefits.

Reed will also meet with workers and students a Job Corps Center in Exeter later in the day after the Trump administration ordered the shutdown of the program.

According to Reed’s office, the administration is barring members of Congress from going to centers during the shutdown, so the meeting will be held just outside the facility.