Senate Republicans have rejected a Democratic initiative to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Monday, exacerbating the uncertainty for the 42 million Americans reliant on this vital anti-hunger program during a government shutdown.

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer attempted to pass a resolution via unanimous consent that would have mandated the Department of Agriculture to fully fund SNAP benefits for the month of November. However, Republican senators, led by John Barrasso, the Senate Majority Whip, objected. Barrasso argued that reopening the government is essential for addressing the issue of food assistance.

“This isn’t lawmaking. It’s a political stunt by the Democrats. The resolution they’re offering is empty,” Barrasso stated. “Democrats knew their actions threatened food assistance. They were fully aware of it.”

This development follows an announcement from the administration that it would utilize funds from a contingency reserve in the agriculture department to temporarily restart SNAP benefits, although the amount allocated would provide only partial assistance. With only $4.65 billion available in that contingency fund, this measure would cover approximately half of the $8 billion necessary for monthly food assistance payments.

“Trump is using food as a weapon against children, families, and seniors to enact his ‘make Americans hungry agenda,’” Merkley stated. “It’s unbelievably cruel, but Trump cares more about playing politics than making sure kids don’t starve. Kids and families are not poker chips or hostages. Trump must release the entirety of the SNAP funds immediately.”

The situation escalates as GOP leaders continue their efforts to pass a bill aimed at reopening the government, with 13 attempts thus far yielding no clear resolution. Food banks and pantries nationwide are already overwhelmed, grappling with increased demand as federal workers go unpaid during the shutdown.

If the shutdown persists beyond Tuesday, it will break the record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history, previously set in 2019 during Trump’s first term over funding for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.