Senate Rejects SNAP Funding Amid Federal Shutdown Threatening Millions

As the federal government shutdown continues, critical food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces potential suspension affecting millions of Americans. The Trump administration has chosen not to use available $5 billion contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits into November, a decision condemned by Senate Democrats Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar as both legally questionable and politically motivated. Massachusetts officials have declined to use the state's $8.6 billion rainy day fund to cover SNAP shortfalls, citing the unsustainable cost and placing blame for the funding crisis on the federal government and President Trump. Senate Democrats proposed a bill to keep SNAP funded during the shutdown, but Senate Republicans voted against it, further jeopardizing food assistance. The ongoing dispute highlights sharp partisan divisions and raises urgent concerns about hunger and food security for 42 million Americans reliant on SNAP benefits.