The government shutdown reached its four-week mark on Wednesday as dozens of states sue the Trump administration over the halt on SNAP benefits set to begin on Nov. 1.
The federal government shutdown has now entered its fourth week, and tensions in Washington continue to rise as millions of Americans brace for the loss of vital food assistance. Despite multiple failed attempts to pass a funding bill, both parties remain deeply divided, and there are few signs of progress.
The U.S. government shutdown, now in its 28th day, threatens to cut off SNAP food benefits for 42 million Americans, including 18 million children, after federal funds deplete in October without congressional action.
New work requirements effective November 2 could further disqualify recipients through paperwork demands, while expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies will double average health insurance premiums to over $1,900 annually for millions during open enrollment starting November 1. Democratic-led states have sued the Trump administration to release emergency funds amid partisan finger-pointing in Congress.
Speaker Mike johnson remarks on Government shutdown
On Capitol Hill, Vice President JD Vance met with Republican senators in an effort to push forward a short-term funding proposal. Vance told reporters that the GOP simply needs “a few more Democrats to cross over” to end the stalemate. However, the measure backed by Republicans failed in the Senate for the 13th time, leaving the government still partially closed.
The blame game between Democrats and Republicans has intensified, but for millions of families across the country, the consequences are becoming increasingly real. More than 40 million Americans could lose access to food assistance benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as soon as this weekend.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed Democrats for the impasse. “The Democrats have caused the problem on food stamps because all they have to do is sign,” he said, urging them to back the Republican funding proposal.
At the same time, Democrats are placing responsibility squarely on the White House and GOP leadership. “We’re here in Washington because Republicans refuse to come back and reopen the government,” one Democratic lawmaker told CBS News. “People need their health care, their paychecks, and their food assistance restored.”
The shutdown, now one month old, has begun to affect key federal programs. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pointed out that the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace opens for enrollment on November 1, the same day SNAP benefits could be halted. Schumer argued that both events would increase pressure on Republicans to compromise.
More than two dozen states have already sued the Trump administration, arguing that cutting off SNAP benefits would harm public health and put new burdens on state governments. The lawsuits claim that millions of low-income families would face food insecurity and that states would have to absorb the cost of responding to the crisis.
Democrats have urged the administration to use contingency funding to keep SNAP running temporarily, but Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said she lacks the legal authority to do so. “I do not have the legal power to tap into contingency funds,” Rollins told CBS News. “Congress must act to authorize the funding.”
Some lawmakers in both parties have floated proposals to provide emergency funding for SNAP while the larger shutdown dispute continues. However, it remains unclear if those bills will make it to a vote.
As the standoff drags on, lawmakers are facing growing frustration from their constituents. Many are warning that once families begin losing benefits and paying higher bills, public anger will increase sharply. “People in more than 30 states are going to be shocked when they see their bills,” said one Democratic senator. “There will be real pressure on Republicans to come to the table.”
For now, the Senate remains stuck in the same place it was weeks ago — gridlocked and divided. With no new votes scheduled and negotiations stalled, millions of Americans are left wondering when relief will come.
The shutdown has already become one of the longest in U.S. history, with no clear end in sight. As November approaches, both parties face mounting pressure to reach an agreement before essential programs like SNAP and federal health insurance become the next casualties of Washington’s political deadlock.