Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a direct challenge to congressional Democrats on Sunday, urging at least five of them to cross party lines to reopen the federal government and restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to over 40 million Americans.  

“The best way for SNAP benefits to get paid is for five Democrats to cross the aisle and reopen the government,” Bessent said, emphasizing that the shutdown’s continuation is now a matter of choice, not inevitability.  

The government has been partially shuttered since October 1, 2025, following a budget standoff centered on President Trump’s border security funding and spending reduction proposals. While Republicans passed a funding measure in the House, Senate Democrats have refused to advance it, triggering widespread disruptions — including the suspension of key USDA programs.

As a result, November SNAP benefits remain frozen, leaving millions of low-income families uncertain about their next food assistance payments. USDA funding expired earlier in the month, forcing at least 15 states to implement emergency aid programs or pursue legal action to compel payment.

Bessent clarified that a $5–6 billion USDA contingency reserve remains available, sufficient to fund SNAP benefits for two to three weeks, but cautioned that legal barriers and court challenges could slow its deployment. He reiterated that the administration is seeking judicial clarity on whether executive reallocations of emergency funds can proceed during the budget impasse — a move consistent with President Trump’s broader push for stronger executive flexibility in crisis management.

“Americans should understand what’s really happening here,” Bessent added. “This is not about numbers — it’s about obstruction. The money exists. The authority exists. What’s missing are five Democrats willing to put their constituents ahead of party politics.”

White House officials echoed Bessent’s statement, framing the deadlock as a test of bipartisan responsibility rather than ideological difference. They argue that the administration’s budget proposal prioritizes fiscal restraint and border integrity while fully funding essential domestic programs.

Republican lawmakers have rallied behind Bessent’s message, accusing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of “holding hostage” working families and low-income households to preserve political leverage. Several GOP senators have since signaled openness to modest budget adjustments but insist that Democrats must first vote to reopen the government before any further negotiation.

For now, the clock is ticking. With contingency funds projected to run dry within weeks, Bessent’s message carries urgency — and a challenge: “Five Democrats could reopen the government today and feed 40 million Americans. The question is — will they?”