Republican Senate leader John Thune erupted in anger on the Senate floor yesterday, blasting Democrats for blocking efforts to reopen the government as the shutdown reached day 30 and millions of Americans face the loss of SNAP benefits this weekend.

"We are 29 days into a Democrat shutdown and the senator from New Mexico was absolutely right. SNAP recipients shouldn't go without food. People should be getting paid in this country, and we've tried to do that 13 times. And you voted no 13 times," Thune said. "This isn't a political game. These are real people's lives that we're talking about and you all just figured out 29 days in that oh there might be some consequences."

Thune's frustration reflects the mounting pressure on lawmakers as the shutdown enters a critical phase. SNAP benefit

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