Senate Republicans strike down Democratic proposal to fully fund Snap

Democratic leaders decry unbelievably cruel' move, saying Trump is using food as a weapon' during shutdown

Senate Republicans shot down a Democratic-led attempt to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) benefits on Monday during the government shutdown - a move that heightens uncertainty for the 42 million Americans participating in the country's biggest anti-hunger program.

Jeff Merkley, a Democratic senator, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, attempted to pass a resolution via unanimous consent that would have forced the Department of Agriculture to fund Snap benefits for the month of November.