Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., criticized Democrats on Friday for delaying a vote to end the government shutdown, which has now lasted 31 days. He accused them of prioritizing political gains over addressing urgent issues affecting millions of Americans. Harris highlighted the impact on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries, noting that 41 million people risk losing food benefits.
Harris cited pressure from labor groups, including the Teamsters and the American Federation of Government Employees, urging Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution. He argued that Senate Democrats’ insistence on incorporating Affordable Care Act subsidies into funding discussions is unnecessary. “If Senate Democrats called the chamber back today, voted tomorrow, and the bill was signed, SNAP benefits would resume by Sunday,” he stated.
The shutdown began after Senate Democrats blocked a House-backed resolution to extend funding, including SNAP support, through Nov. 21. Harris criticized the Democratic strategy, calling it irrational and emphasizing that Republicans had previously supported extending SNAP benefits. He also accused Democrats of using legal actions against the president to access reserve funds for SNAP, warning of potential crises during emergencies. “This is just everything is anti-Trump,” he said.
