SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang has asked the Legislature to authorize an emergency $3.9 million appropriation from the FY 2026 Revised General Fund to cover November 2025 Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/NAP) benefits after the federal shutdown suspended November funding. The request—sent to Senate President Karl King-Nabors and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez—follows USDA-FNS notifications on Oct. 10 and Oct. 22 confirming the halt, putting thousands of CNMI households at risk.
“This emergency measure ensures that no family in the CNMI goes hungry due to circumstances beyond our control,” Apatang said, noting EBT card distribution continues on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and that Salvation Army and Karidat are assisting residents with immediate needs. The administration says the $3.9 million may be fully reimbursable once Congress passes a federal budget, making the net General Fund impact zero; reimbursed funds could then be redirected to other priorities.
