The Senate on Tuesday failed to reopen the federal government for the 13th time, as the shutdown hit the four-week mark. It failed in a 54-45 vote. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are days away from running out, and the largest federal worker union has called for a deal. Ten GOP senators signed on to…

Democrats are working to balance their health care demands and find solutions for SNAP, with Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján on Wednesday introducing legislation that would direct the USDA to release available contingency funds to ensure benefits under SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continue during the shutdown.