Thirteen was not a lucky number for members of Congress, who voted down a resolution to end the government shutdown for the 13th time.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) hammered that point and railed against Democrats for voting against the measure — especially funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), per Mediaite.
“Let me just point out, if I might, that we are 29 days into a Democrat shutdown,” Thune started. “And the senator from New Mexico [Ben Ray Luján (D)] is absolutely right. SNAP recipients shouldn’t go without food. People should be getting paid in this country. And we’ve tried to do that 13 times! You voted no 13 times!”
He spoke of the consequences looming for Americans.
“This isn’t a political game, these are real people’s lives that we’re talking about! And you all just figured out, 29 days in, that, ‘Oh, there might be some consequences’?” Thune continued. “There are people running out of money! Yeah, we’re 29 days in. And they’ve done their best to make sure that a lot of these programs are funded. But at some point, the government runs out of money.”
Thune said Democrats are looking to prolong the shutdown, while Republicans are seeking an end.
“Thirteen times people over here voted to fund SNAP! Thirteen times they voted to fund WIC! My aching back! Finally realized this thing has consequences,” he said. “Well, you know what? What Democrats are doing here, they’re making plans to keep the shutdown going. And they realize, all of a sudden, 29 days in, that this is a real consequence, real life pain for American families. Something that results from their shutdown, so are they making plans to end the shutdown and reopen the government Nope! They’re gonna propose a bill to fund food stamps during their shutdown.”
“Mr. President, this request is a transparent admission that Democrats want to keep the shutdown for what? Another month? Longer” he said. “This bill is a cynical attempt to provide political cover for Democrats to allow them carry on their government shutdown for the long term!”
“The Democrat leader said that President Trump could end this with a stroke of his pen. And he’s right! We pass that bill, with a stroke of his pen, he’ll sign it into law, and the government opens up!” Thune continued. “And SNAP beneficiaries, SNAP recipients get food assistance. But you know what else? TSA workers get paid! Air traffic controllers get paid! Border Patrol agents get paid. Troops get paid! These people here get paid, who are working without pay. You want to extend that and keep that going? Give me a break.”
