Maryan Yousef, a first-time volunteer, helps stock the shelves at Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025.

It's Day 28, and we're finally getting down to the part of the government shutdown where we'll find out if Democrats or Republicans will flinch in this twisted game of political chicken that threatens to hurt millions and millions of Americans.

After weeks of the usual partisan blame game from all sides, Americans might soon find out how little our elected leaders actually care about doing their job.

Will Republicans open the door to saving Affordable Care Act subsidies they've been fighting against? Will Democrats fold because of what keeping the shutdown going means?

Shutdown may lead to SNAP benefit delays. How do you feel about it?

As things stand now, we're heading for the Nov. 1 deadline, which will bring an abrupt end to several federally funded assistance programs. Included on that list is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, which helps up to 42 million Americans. It will also affect the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC.

Until then, we've decided to give you all a chance to be included in the conversation. Fill out the form below or email us at forum@ussatoday.com with the subject line "Forum SNAP shutdown" for a chance to be included in our follow-up post of reader comments. Here are some questions to get you started:

  • Do you use SNAP?
  • What are your thoughts on the shutdown as we head to the deadline?
  • Who do you blame for the shutdown? Why?
  • What do you think about programs like SNAP? Should they go away or get more support? Why?

Louie Villalobos is the director of opinion for Gannett. You'll find him grateful that programs like SNAP existed when he was a child and happy that his taxpayer money is going to help families like his.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SNAP benefits are on the verge of ending due to shutdown. Do you care? Tell us. | Opinion

Reporting by Louie Villalobos, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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