Senate Republicans on Monday rejected a Democratic proposal to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), intensifying uncertainty for the 42 million Americans relying on the country's largest anti-hunger programme. Democratic senators Jeff Merkley and Chuck Schumer sought unanimous consent to compel the Department of Agriculture to provide full Snap benefits for November, but the motion was blocked.
Republican Senator John Barrasso, the majority whip, dismissed the move as a 'political stunt', arguing that the proper solution lies in reopening the government. 'This isn’t lawmaking. It’s a political stunt by the Democrats. The resolution they’re offering is empty,' Barrasso said. He added that Democrats were aware their actions threatened food assistance.
The administration had previously announced it would use $4.65bn from an agriculture contingency fund to restart Snap benefits, but this covers only about half of the $8bn monthly cost. Senator Merkley accused President Trump of using food as a weapon, stating, 'It’s unbelievably cruel, but Trump cares more about playing politics than making sure kids don’t starve.'
The shutdown, now approaching a record length, has left federal workers unpaid and food banks struggling to meet increased demand. The previous record was set in 2019 during Trump's first term over border wall funding.
