U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) spoke on the Senate floor, criticizing Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for what he called the “Schumer Shutdown.” Cassidy warned that nearly 800,000 Louisiana residents could lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1 if the government remains closed.
“SNAP can be the difference between a child having a full belly and that same child asking their mother when is the next time they will eat a meal,” said Dr. Cassidy.
He added, “If Democrats are interested in lowering health care costs as they say they are, then reopen the government, pay our troops, and stop taking food from our children.”
Cassidy stated that the shutdown has lasted nearly a month and is now the longest full government shutdown in U.S. history. He attributed its start to political maneuvering by Democratic leadership and noted its impact on Americans across the country, including federal employees who have missed paychecks and air traffic controllers working without pay.
He emphasized that SNAP benefits would soon run out in states like Louisiana, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals, including many children. According to Cassidy, Republicans are trying to extend SNAP funding but lack support from Democrats.
“Mr. President, that’s a lot of empty dinner tables—and a lot of children going to bed hungry,” he said.
Cassidy criticized Democrats for voting against reopening the government multiple times and argued that food banks would not be able to meet increased demand if SNAP runs out. He also pointed out efforts by Republicans and President Trump to address some effects of the shutdown by securing funds for troops and attempting to pay federal employees.
He accused Democrats of using working families as political leverage during negotiations over health care policy: “The House Democratic Whip acknowledged Democrats are allowing people to suffer because a shutdown: ‘…is one of the few leverage times we have.’”
Cassidy challenged claims that Democrats’ position was about reducing health care costs, stating that under current proposals premiums would still rise next year and most Americans would not benefit from their plan. He further criticized how the shutdown led to lapses in programs such as the Over-the-counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program (OMUFA), which supports access to new over-the-counter medications.
As chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Cassidy highlighted bipartisan work done on OMUFA before its expiration due to funding lapses caused by the shutdown.
“I’m tired of hearing people say there’s no off-ramp or way out of this shutdown,” Cassidy concluded. “Here it is, that’s the way forward.”
