Democrats Decry SNAP Lapse USDA Cites Shortfall | JQJO

Amid an ongoing government shutdown, Democratic leaders blasted the Trump administration over a lapse in SNAP funding and health costs. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the White House of using vulnerable Americans as political pawns and said partial benefits violate the law. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged tapping USDA emergency funds, and Democrats noted SNAP has never run out before. A federal judge ordered the administration to use such funds, but USDA said the process could take weeks to months and acknowledged a $4 billion shortfall for November. Meanwhile, GOP leader John Thune rejected scrapping the filibuster.