SNAP deadline looms as shutdown stalls food aid for millions

A critical deadline is here for more than 40 million Americans waiting for SNAP food benefits to resume.

(NBC)-  A critical deadline is here for more than 40 million Americans waiting for SNAP food benefits to resume after funding ran out during the ongoing government shutdown.

Across the country, food drives and long lines are growing as volunteers scramble to meet the demand.
“It’s really disturbing to see that some of our most vulnerable people are at risk,” said Andrew Engelson, a food drive organizer.

In cities from Houston to Los Angeles, volunteers report record turnouts.
“I’m seeing a lot of people that I can see in their eyes—they never thought they’d ever be in a food pantry line,” said Drew Powell, a volunteer.

The Trump administration has until noon today to respond to a federal judge’s order requiring it to use contingency funds to restart the food assistance program.

President Donald Trump continues to blame Democrats for the stalemate.
“If they vote to open the country, it’s opened up immediately,” Trump said.

In a CBS 60 Minutes interview, Trump reiterated his call for the “nuclear option” — eliminating the Senate filibuster — to allow Republicans to pass a short-term funding bill without Democratic support.
“The Republicans have to get tougher. If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want,” he said.

A new NBC News poll finds 52% of Americans blame Trump and congressional Republicans for the shutdown, while 42% blame Democrats. Both sides, however, received low approval ratings from voters frustrated by the impasse.

“I think that Democrats are passive, and I think that Republicans are predatory. I think the whole system is a mess,” said Kailee Evans, a voter in Wisconsin.

With elections tomorrow, the results could serve as a referendum on Washington’s handling of the shutdown — and a preview of how Americans may vote in next year’s crucial midterms.