Senator John Fetterman issued a new SNAP benefits warning to his fellow Democrats on Wednesday.
In a video posted to X, Fetterman called the ongoing government shutdown a “failure” as he remains only one of two Democrats voting with Republicans on their continuing resolution bill that would re-open the government.
How Is SNAP Impacted by the Government Shutdown?
The federal government had to shut down after the Senate adjourned with no funding resolution for the new fiscal year, starting on October 1, as both political parties continued to block the other’s stopgap proposals. The shutdown means only essential services are allowed to continue operating until funding legislation is passed.
It also means that SNAP, being a federal program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is affected, as no funds have been transferred to states to provide the benefits starting from November 1. SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 42 million people—nearly one in eight Americans—through monthly benefits used to purchase groceries.
Fetterman posted, along with his video, “Shut our government down and America loses. 2 MILLION Pennsylvanians depend on SNAP to feed their families. For me, it’s hungry Americans over party. Paying our military over party. Paying Capitol Police and federal workers over party. I choose country over party.”
Meanwhile, Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill Wednesday that would reinstate funding for SNAP as the government shutdown stretches into its third week.
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How Long Is the Government Shutdown Going to Last?
There is no clear timeline for how long the government shutdown will last, as negotiations between Congress and the White House remain stalled. Lawmakers have yet to agree on a spending package to reopen federal agencies, and both sides continue to trade blame over budget priorities. Past shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to more than a month, depending on how quickly political pressure builds for a resolution.
All but one Republican has continued to back the GOP’s stopgap measure, joined by Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Fetterman, along with Maine independent Angus King who caucuses with them. It has failed to attract any additional bipartisan support since the shutdown began, leaving the Republican bill five Democratic votes short of advancing.
What Caused the Government Shutdown?
The shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a series of funding bills before the federal budget deadline, forcing nonessential government services to close. The impasse stems largely from disputes over spending levels for domestic programs, border security and foreign aid. House Republicans have pushed for deep cuts and policy riders opposed by Democrats, while the White House insists on maintaining previously negotiated funding levels.
Updates: 10/22/25, 2:27 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
