Democrats embrace votes to make government shutdown hurt less

"Zoom in: Schumer and top Democrats see Senate Majority Leader John Thune's (R-S.D.) decision not to pursue a "rifle shot" strategy as an opportunity to apply pressure on Republicans. After Thune's first three plans to open up all - or part - of the government failed, he suggested last week that he was open to "rifle shots" to fund parts of the government. But Republicans realized such bills would reduce their overall leverage, Axios reported on Monday."

"On Tuesday, pursuing that plan was called off in a closed-door luncheon, with Vice President Vance voicing his firm opposition. Look for Senate Democrats to add to Tuesday's push to release SNAP funds, with more à la carte funding bills in the coming days. "We can't let politics starve children. This bill is simple, targeted, and necessary," said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). "I'm a yes on the SNAP bill. The money exists. The need is urgent. There's no excuse," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)."

"The bottom line: Last week, Schumer called a GOP bill to pay the military and some federal workers a "ruse." "We will not give Donald Trump a license to play politics with people's livelihoods," he said in a speech from the Senate floor."

Democrats will introduce a clean, standalone bill to keep SNAP benefits flowing. Schumer and top Democrats view John Thune's decision not to pursue a "rifle shot" strategy as an opportunity to shift pressure onto Republicans during the shutdown. Thune had signaled openness to "rifle shots" after three failed funding plans, but Republicans concluded such piecemeal bills would weaken their leverage, prompting cancellation after Vice President Vance opposed the approach. Senate Democrats plan additional à la carte funding bills to release SNAP funds and other targeted appropriations. Booker and Murphy emphasized urgency, and Schumer condemned a GOP military-pay bill as a "ruse."

Read at Axios