KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The government shutdown continues to impact more than 100,000 East Tennesseans on SNAP. The federal government announced Monday that those on SNAP would receive partial benefits as federal lawmakers work to fund the government.
Previous Coverage: Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) said politics are preventing a resolution to reopen the government and restore full food assistance benefits.
"We've got a lot of problems, and it's just political," Burchett said.
Burchett came back to East Tennessee over the weekend partially to work at a food drive in Jellico and visit Second Harvest Food Bank. He has asked voters to donate money to food banks and local churches rather than to his campaign.
"I'm one person obviously, but I think we need to show that they're are going to be people that are hurting," Burchett said. "It's encouragement. I'm just trying to encourage."
As votes continue to fail in Washington, Tennessee Democrats want to call a special legislative session to fully fund SNAP benefits at the state level.
State Rep. Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville) said the situation has reached a critical point with the holidays approaching.
"We just think that this is an emergency right now. We're in a critical, critical state," McKenzie said.
McKenzie said families need relief during the holiday season while Washington works toward a solution.
"All that we're asking right now is to allow them for a little, until Washington figures out what they want to do, to be able to give them some relief in the holiday season," McKenzie said.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee isn't the only one who can call a special session in our state. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton can also call for it.