(NewsNation) — As the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits are on hold for November, leaving millions of Americans and their families uncertain about how they’ll afford food.
Approximately 42 million Americans, or nearly 1 in 8, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, to make ends meet.
Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., told NewsNation’s Batya Ungar-Sargon that President Trump is currently exploring “every option on the table” to end the shutdown and resume SNAP funding.
SNAP benefits frozen as shutdown persists
People across the country lined up at food pantries on Saturday for free meals and groceries, as SNAP benefits were put on hold for November.
Two federal judges ordered SNAP funding to continue, but it remains to be seen when and how that would happen.
Some lawmakers have proposed using a $5 billion contingency fund to cover SNAP costs partially, but Republicans argue that accessing those funds may not be legal.
“Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do,” Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday.
“I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” he continued. “Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.”
Trump proposes ‘nuclear option’
After 13 failed attempts to pass a funding bill, Trump called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, in what he referred to as the “nuclear option.”
“It is now time for the Republicans to play their ‘TRUMP CARD,’ and go for what is called the Nuclear Option — Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!” Trump posted Thursday on Truth Social.
The Senate filibuster rule requires most legislation to receive 60 votes to pass the chamber, giving power to the minority party and preventing the majority party from essentially passing whatever legislation it wants.
Ending the filibuster would take power away from the Democrats, who are the minority, and allow the funding bill to pass with a simple majority and end the shutdown.
When asked if he supports Trump’s calls to end the filibuster, Sheehy said: “No, I’m not on board with that.”
But he added he supports Trump’s ongoing efforts to “explore every option.”
Sheehy explained that the filibuster plays a crucial role in facilitating bipartisan collaboration.
“We’re forced to collaborate on matters … where we can come up with solutions that cross the aisle,” he added.
NewsNation affiliate The Hill contributed to this report.
