Senate Invokes Cloture on Eric Chunyee Tung Nomination 51-46; Democrats' SNAP Funding Resolution Objected To Amidst Government Shutdown
The Senate convened amidst an ongoing government shutdown, with significant debate focusing on its impact, particularly on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Majority Leader Thune reiterated calls for a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government, while Democratic Leader Schumer criticized the Trump administration's handling of SNAP benefits and rising healthcare costs. A Democratic resolution (S. Res. 481) urging full SNAP funding was introduced but faced objection. The Senate also successfully invoked cloture on the nomination of Eric Chunyee Tung to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
The day highlighted the deepening impasse over the government shutdown, with the immediate impact on SNAP benefits becoming a central point of contention. The invocation of cloture on a circuit court nomination indicates progress on judicial appointments despite the legislative gridlock. The objection to the SNAP resolution underscored the partisan divide on addressing the shutdown's consequences, leaving the immediate path forward for full SNAP funding unclear.
Government Funding and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
S. Res. 481Question before the chamber
The immediate question was the unanimous consent request for S. Res. 481, expressing the sense of the Senate on SNAP funding. The broader context was the ongoing government shutdown and the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371, a continuing appropriations bill.
The case for
Senator Schumer and Senator Merkley argued that the Trump administration is 'weaponizing food' by deliberately disrupting SNAP benefits, jeopardizing 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, disabled, and veterans. They stated that the USDA has legal authority and funds (contingency fund and Section 32 interchange funds) to fully finance SNAP for November, citing court rulings. They criticized the administration's decision to provide only partial benefits, which could cause 'weeks to several months' of delays for states to implement. They emphasized that vulnerable families are not 'bargaining chips' in the shutdown and that the administration's 'Make America Hungry Agenda' is wrong and immoral.
The case against
Senator Grassley and Senator Thune asserted that Democrats are responsible for the government shutdown, having opposed a clean extension of funding 13 times. Senator Barrasso characterized S. Res. 481 as a 'political stunt' and 'meaningless,' arguing that Democrats are holding food assistance hostage for political leverage. He stated that the shutdown ends when Democrats stop their 'dangerous political games' and pass the clean continuing resolution (H.R. 5371), which would immediately resolve the SNAP funding issue and prevent further suffering.
Disposition
Unanimous consent request for immediate consideration of S. Res. 481 · other
Objected to by Mr. Barrasso, preventing immediate consideration.
Who is affected
- 42 million Americans relying on SNAP (including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans): Facing food insecurity, potential delays in receiving benefits, and reduced benefit amounts due to the administration's decision and the ongoing government shutdown.
- Federal workers: Missing paychecks due to the shutdown, leading to financial hardship.
- Military families: Turning to food banks due to financial strain from the shutdown.
- Small businesses: Suffering due to the economic impact of the shutdown.
Nomination of Eric Chunyee Tung to the Ninth Circuit
Executive Calendar No. 371Question before the chamber
Cloture on the nomination of Eric Chunyee Tung, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.
The case for
Senator Grassley highlighted Mr. Tung's qualifications, including graduating with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School, clerking for Justice Scalia and Justice Gorsuch, serving as a Bristow fellow in the Justice Department's Office of Solicitor General, and working as an assistant U.S. attorney. He also noted Mr. Tung's stellar reputation as an appellate lawyer and widespread support from law firm colleagues and coclerks, asserting he would make a phenomenal judge.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record regarding this specific nomination.
Disposition
Cloture motion · recorded vote
Cloture invoked.
Yeas 51, Nays 46
Who is affected
- Judicial system: Appointment of a new judge to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
- Citizens within the Ninth Circuit: Will be subject to rulings from the newly appointed judge, influencing legal interpretations and judicial outcomes.
Cloture Invoked on Ninth Circuit Nomination
highThe Senate voted 51-46 to invoke cloture on the nomination of Eric Chunyee Tung to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, advancing his confirmation process. This procedural step limits further debate on the nomination, setting it up for a final confirmation vote.
SNAP Funding Resolution Objected To
highA resolution (S. Res. 481) expressing the sense of the Senate that the USDA should use contingency and interchange authority to fully finance SNAP was introduced by Senator Merkley and 45 cosponsors. A unanimous consent request for its immediate consideration was objected to by Senator Barrasso, preventing its adoption and highlighting the partisan divide over addressing the shutdown's impact on food assistance.
Government Shutdown Debate Intensifies
mediumSenators from both parties engaged in floor speeches regarding the ongoing government shutdown. Majority Leader Thune blamed Democrats for the shutdown and their repeated votes against a clean continuing resolution, while Democratic Leader Schumer criticized the Trump administration's stance on SNAP benefits and rising healthcare costs, emphasizing the suffering of American families.
Trump Administration's Partial SNAP Funding Criticized
highSenator Schumer and Senator Merkley criticized the Trump administration's decision to provide only partial SNAP benefits for November, despite court rulings affirming USDA's authority to fully fund the program. They cited a court document indicating potential delays of 'weeks to several months' for states to implement partial benefit reductions, raising concerns about immediate food access.