New York Congressman Ritchie Torres is railing against claims that Democrats are responsible for the looming loss of federal food benefits.

In his Bronx district on Wednesday morning, Torres demanded President Trump come to the table and negotiate a compromise to sustain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The congressman says without those benefits, too many of his constituents will go without food, especially as prices tick higher everyday.

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“In NY-15, there are 272,000 Bronxites who depend on SNAP for their survival. The Bronx is not Donald Trump’s bargaining chip,” Torres said during the press conference.

Torres also said that Trump is making false claims about the government’s inability to sustain SNAP, pointing to a $5 billion emergency contingency fund that he says the president could use, but won’t.

For those seeking alternative resources if SNAP benefits are discontinued on November 1 or if you are looking to help, please visit abc7ny.com/foodhelp for more information.

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