What a Divided Government Could Mean for Household Preparedness

Ask A Prepper looks at what the midterm results could mean for households that rely on federal programs. It reports that Democrats hold majorities in both the House and the Senate.

Key points

• The results: Citing the Associated Press, the outlet says Democrats gained Senate seats in several states, among them Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Ohio and North Carolina, and cleared the 218-seat threshold to control the House. The new Congress is sworn in January 3.
• Veto math: President Trump has said he plans to veto Democratic legislation, and an override takes two-thirds of both chambers, so the outlet expects more standoffs over spending.
• Food assistance: It points to the 2025 shutdown, when Axios reported the USDA told states it lacked the money to cover full November SNAP payments for roughly 42 million people, and payments were delayed for weeks.
• Disaster aid: Large relief packages need congressional approval, so the outlet says funding fights could slow them and suggests planning to be on your own longer than three days.
• Prices: It notes that Middle East conflict has hampered shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, an important passage for fuel and fertilizer.

Quick take

Ask A Prepper argues that a preparedness plan should not swing with each election. It recommends at least a month of food and water, some cash at home, printed copies of IDs, insurance policies and benefit letters, and ties to local food banks, churches and neighbors, whatever a reader's politics.

Read the full story at Ask A Prepper.