Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Thursday, warning that more than 850,000 residents could lose access to SNAP benefits beginning Nov. 1 because of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Youngkin blamed what he called the “Democrat Shutdown,” accusing congressional Democrats of using hungry Virginians as political leverage. He said the state will step in to provide food assistance until Congress passes a funding bill.

The Republican governor also thanked President Donald Trump and his administration for supporting the state’s emergency response.

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