U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) criticized Senate Democrats on the Senate floor, accusing them of continuously obstructing a House-passed short-term funding bill. According to Cornyn, the Democratic-led blockage is preventing access to essential services, particularly for vulnerable Texans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and rural telehealth services.
Cornyn emphasized the immediate consequences of the "Schumer Shutdown," pointing out that SNAP benefits are now at risk.
"Texans who rely upon SNAP as a safety net to buy their groceries and feed their children will not have those benefits until this deranged shutdown comes to an end," Cornyn declared.
He also highlighted the shutdown's effects on rural healthcare, sharing a story of a terminal cancer patient from north Texas who missed two appointments due to discontinued telehealth services.
Cornyn said the man, who lives 45 minutes from the nearest hospital, is "a model patient for telehealth," but has been cut off from care due to the shutdown.
Cornyn also noted that Senate Democrats have voted against the funding bill to reopen the government nine times so far.
"Senate Democrats are literally taking food from the mouths of hungry children," he argued, accusing Democratic Leaders of putting politics over human needs.
"Are there not five more Democrats willing to buck the heartless display of the minority leader and put the American people first?" Cornyn questioned.
His remarks showcase the costs American citizens are having to pay due to the ongoing shutdown, and Republicans have amplified the call for Senate Democrats to end the political stalemate before more harm is done.
