The government shutdown is now the longest in United States history, but the end may be in sight if Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has his way.
Thune plans to bring up the House-passed continuing resolution for the 15th time on Friday, this time amending it with a January expiration date and a package of three full-year spending bills negotiated with Democrats. He believes he may have the support of enough moderate Democrats to move the plan forward, especially with a promise to hold a vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, according to CBS News.
However, the package could face delays due to expected objections from both sides of the aisle, The Hill reports.
Meanwhile, a federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island gave the government until Friday to make the SNAP payments, according to The New York Times.
The government has historically used emergency funds to continue SNAP benefits during shutdowns. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated that it is legally unable to do so under current appropriations law. Last week McConnell ordered the federal government to fund the program, but the administration said it would only provide partial payments.
“This should never happen in America,” McConnell said on Thursday, The New York Times reported, and warned that millions of poor families could go hungry in the absence of reliable federal aid.