The ongoing government shutdown, dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown,” shows no signs of resolution, leaving several government assistance programs in jeopardy as funds dwindle. One such program facing a financial crunch is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the food stamp program. In response, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa, a Republican, has put forth a bill aiming to secure funding for SNAP during the shutdown period.

With similar versions of the bill introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, there is hope for a swift passage. In the House, only a simple majority is needed to advance the bill. However, in the Senate, the measure requires a 60-vote majority. The question remains whether Senate Democrats will prioritize political maneuvering over passing a straightforward spending bill that supports crucial assistance programs.

This situation raises a critical point: there is a perception that for Senate Democrats, negotiations are open on most issues, except when it involves a proposal from the Republican side. The outcome of this bill will reveal much about the current political climate and the willingness of both parties to cooperate for the public good.

The bill is the companion to a SNAP-funding bill in the Senate being led by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), which Senate Republicans are reportedly considering for a floor vote. Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) is a co-sponsor of the House bill.

Since there are versions of the bill in both the House and Senate, one would think that this measure could be pushed through fairly quickly. In the House all that’s required is a simple majority vote. In the Senate, of course, the 60-vote margin still applies, but surely the Senate Democrats wouldn’t engage in political grandstanding to hold up a clean spending bill like this, would they? 

Would they?

SNAP benefits are funded by the federal government while states operate and share the cost of administering the program and distributing the benefits. Since funding is sent to states monthly, October benefits were not impacted — but November payments could be at risk. The Department of Agriculture has warned there will be insufficient funds to pay full SNAP benefits in November if the shutdown continues.

“More than 262,000 Iowans, including over 100,000 children rely on SNAP to put food on the table. They cannot afford to be ‘leverage’ in the Democrats’ political games. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to ensure SNAP remains funded throughout the shutdown. Access to food is not negotiable,” Miller-Meeks said in a statement.

We might point out one thing: Evidence suggests that for Senate Democrats, everything is negotiable, unless it’s a Republican proposal.