Emergency Court Bid to Keep SNAP for 42 Million Amid 31‑Day Shutdown An emergency hearing in federal court in Rhode Island may decide whether SNAP continues for 42 million Americans as the shutdown hits day 31. Benefits are set to stop tomorrow, prompting a lawsuit claiming USDA needlessly plunged the program into crisis despite available appropriated funds that could and must be used. The Agriculture Secretary disputes that, saying those funds cannot be used.
Trump Pushes Nuclear Option as Republicans Defend the Filibuster’s 60‑Vote Shield President Trump urges Republicans to use the nuclear option and scrap the Senate filibuster to end the shutdown with a 51‑vote bill. Republican leaders resist, warning the 60‑vote threshold protects minority power and the Senate’s consensus‑driven design. They argue its removal would let a future Democratic majority push measures like court expansion, statehood for Puerto Rico and D.C., and firearm bans. Senior figures including John Thune remain opposed, emphasizing the Senate’s distinction from the House.
Mounting Shutdown Pain Tests Bipartisan Talks While the Filibuster Remains a Red Line Trump’s demand injects friction into nascent bipartisan talks as the Senate sits out and pressure to end the shutdown intensifies. Federal workers go without pay, and millions risk losing food aid, raising the stakes. Republicans treat the filibuster as a rare red line even after years of incremental weakening by both parties. Warnings against the tyranny of the majority frame predictions that scrapping the 60‑vote rule would bring short‑term wins and long‑term regret when power flips.