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Our nation recently faced an unprecedented challenge: a prolonged government shutdown that threatened to disrupt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — a lifeline for thousands of Maine families. For the first time in American history, SNAP funding was at risk, placing more than 170,000 Mainers, including 50,000 children, in danger of hunger.
During this critical moment, I believe Sen. Susan Collins demonstrated the steady, principled leadership that Mainers have come to expect. She was among the most vocal advocates in Congress, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take every possible step to protect SNAP benefits. Collins sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling for immediate action to ensure families could continue putting food on the table.
She also co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to guarantee SNAP payments during the shutdown, helping reassure families that their basic needs would not be forgotten. These efforts played a key role in preventing a potential hunger crisis in Maine and across the nation.
What makes Collins’ leadership especially commendable to me is her balanced approach. She has worked to ensure that SNAP remains strong for those who truly need it — children, seniors, and struggling families — while also addressing concerns about accountability and responsible stewardship.
This reflects both fairness and the Biblical principle of loving our neighbor.
Collins’ commitment to protecting the vulnerable is longstanding, from her work on domestic programs like SNAP to global efforts such as PEPFAR. Her leadership during the shutdown reminds us that compassion and fiscal responsibility can go hand in hand.
As the 2026 election approaches, I pray she continues working toward solutions that prevent future shutdowns and ensure every Maine family can count on a full plate.
Pastor Wade Townley
First Pentecostal Church
Brewer