"...Senate Republicans nixed an attempt by Democrats to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Monday after those funds dried up over the weekend amid the government shutdown.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) attempted to pass a resolution via unanimous consent on Wednesday that would fund the program amid the shutdown, which is on the verge of becoming the longest in U.S. history. Specifically, his measure would have forced the Department of Agriculture to fund SNAP benefits for the month of November to the tune of $8 billion. ..."