The momentum behind Democrats’ effort to shift the blame for a potential government shutdown onto Republicans seems to be waning.
Some progressive lawmakers have candidly admitted to using the imminent end of SNAP benefits as a sort of leverage against Republican lawmakers. This strategy has drawn significant criticism, even from those who typically support them, including CNN’s Jake Tapper and the American Federation of Public Employees.
“Who stands to gain and who stands to lose? In this situation, it’s clear that America is going to lose, no doubt about it,” was a poignant remark from one critic.
As a result of this backlash, there’s increasing pressure on Congressional Democrats to reach across the aisle and pass a straightforward resolution that would ensure continuity for SNAP recipients, particularly since benefits are scheduled to lapse this Saturday.
Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) remarked, “With Republicans in control of the House, Senate, and the White House, this is a pivotal moment where we can actually make a difference.” He made these comments during a recent announcement regarding the government shutdown, acknowledging that using the situation as leverage is, well, uncomfortable.
A Senate Republican characterized Coons’ remarks as “completely outrageous,” suggesting that the deliberate withholding of SNAP benefits for political gain is irresponsible.
Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts) echoed this sentiment in an interview, expressing that while the shutdown is tragic and will undoubtedly harm families, the situation offers a unique chance for her party to assert itself.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) pointed out that, in his view, a shutdown seems to be the only path forward right now. Meanwhile, when asked for his take on the ongoing stalemate, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) noted that he did not want to trivialize the lives of Americans by using “leverage” in this context. He concluded, “In this situation, the reality is simple—America loses all around.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) took to the floor to address the troubling admissions from Democratic lawmakers, referencing earlier comments by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) who claimed that each day brings them more advantages due to the shutdown.
Thune asserted, “Let there be no doubt about who is responsible for this government shutdown. It’s the very people who are boasting about their growing influence at our expense.” He also highlighted that a resolution had been rejected multiple times, explaining that a clean continuing resolution requires 60 votes to pass.
The question he posed was whether there are five brave Democrats willing to support it.
