Government shutdown reaches one month mark
WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - One month into the government shutdown and tens of millions of Americans are going without the federal food benefits they count on.
The Trump Administration is now under a noon deadline to show how it will resolve the pressing issue as a new NBC News poll is shedding light on who the public blames more for the shutdown mess.
Democrats have refused to sign on to a short-term funding bill without an agreement to extend healthcare subsidies to keep premiums from spiking.
In a new interview, President Donald Trump says he'll address the issue with Democrats, but only once the government reopens.
A critical deadline Monday, with more than 40 million Americans waiting for low income SNAP food benefits to kick in after funding ran out in the government shutdown.
"It's really disturbing to see that some of our most vulnerable people are at risk," said Andrew Engelson, a food drive organizers.
Food drives across the country, as long lines from Houston to L.A., demonstrate the urgent need.
"I'm seeing a lot of people that I can see in their eyes, they never thought they'd ever be in a food pantry line," said Drew Powell, a volunteer.
The Trump Administration has until noon to respond to a federal judge's order to use contingency funds to restart the benefits.
President Trump is deflecting blame to Democrats.
"If they vote to open the country, it's opened up immediately. We don't even have to think about that," Trump remarked.
While speaking with Norah O'Donnell on CBS' 60 Minutes, he again called for the nuclear option, getting rid of the filibuster to reopen the government without needing votes from Democrats, who are holding firm on healthcare provisions as part of any funding deal.
"The Republicans have to get tougher. If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want," Trump expressed.
A new NBC News poll finds 52% of Americans surveyed blame Trump and Republican lawmakers for the shutdown while 42% blame Democrats, with both Trump and Democrats earning low approval ratings.
"I think that Democrats are passive, and I think that Republicans are predatory. I think the whole system is a mess," said Kailee Evans, a voter from Wisconsin.
Elections Tuesday offer another snapshot of how Americans are feeling as both parties look ahead to next year's critical midterms.
The new NBC News poll also showed voters split on immigration, with 50% of those surveyed holding negative feelings about ICE.
When asked about ICE tactics on 60 Minutes, Trump said he felt they hadn't gone far enough to get people out of the country, blaming liberal judges for holding them back.
