Rep. Mackenzie Voted to Cut SNAP That Helps Families Put Food on the Table and Supported Tariffs That are Jacking Up Costs

Find Lehigh Valley Food Pantries Here

November 7, 2025

Allentown, PENNSYLVANIA - As thousands in Lehigh Valley face potential hunger because of lost or delayed SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie has failed to take action to end the shutdown and restore these benefits.

“Republicans in Congress caused this shutdown and now they’re acting powerless as their constituents navigate confusion, uncertainty, and lapsing benefits. It’s unacceptable and frankly, it’s insulting,” said Rachele Fortier, executive director of Affordable Pennsylvania. “No one should have to worry if political games in Washington will prevent them from putting food on the table. We are calling on Congressman Mackenzie to stop with stunts and do what he was elected to do - fight for his constituents and their well-being in Washington. This starts with permanently extending the health care tax credits and reopening the government.”

Not only has Congressman Mackenzie failed to take action to end the shutdown - he also voted for historic cuts to SNAP, threatening the very fate of federal food assistance in the Commonwealth and potentially worsening food insecurity in the Lehigh Valley, and has continually supported Trump’s tariffs that are raising costs, particularly food costs, for working families, small businesses, and American consumers. Affordable Pennsylvania urges Congressman Mackenzie to stop cutting benefits and fight for lower costs for his constituents.

Need assistance or looking to help? A list of food pantries serving the Lehigh Valley can be found here.

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Affordable Pennsylvania is fighting to expose elected leaders who promised to stand with working families and lower costs, only to take vote after vote neglecting the needs of their constituents. We do this by making Pennsylvanians’ voices heard and pushing members of Congress to take meaningful action to address the skyrocketing cost of things like groceries, child care and prescription drugs.