To the Editor:

Locally, many folks depend on taxpayers for SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program].

SNAP is funded by the United States government. Funding for SNAP is in danger, due to the government shutdown. The government is shut down because sixty U.S. Senators’ “yes” votes are required to end the shutdown.

Senate Republicans have 53 of the 60 votes required. The 60 required Senators’ votes, minus the 53 votes already already in favor of ending the shutdown, leave seven more votes needed. Republicans cannot provide these seven votes. Senators [Charles] Schumer and [Kirsten] Gillibrand have voted “no” ad nauseum, on reopening the U.S. government.

 How many Senate Democrats must vote with Senate Republicans, to end the shutdown and to fully fund SNAP? Do seven Democrats vote with 53 Republicans, to end the shutdown and to fully fund SNAP? 

Who owns the shutdown, then? Why won’t Democrats end the pain that their shutdown inflicts on Americans like you, and the women and children who suffer without taxpayer-funded SNAP ?

Senators?

Edgar V. Tolmie

Altamont

Editor’s note: Republicans had not returned to Washington to negotiate with Democrats who wanted to extend health-care subsidies. Seven Democrats and one independent senator who caucuses with Democrats voted to end the shutdown.