(The Hill) – Leading Republican lawmakers have dismissed attempts to push legislative carve-outs, or "rifle shot" bills, to alleviate Americans feeling the weight of the monthlong government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) first expressed skepticism over "rifle shot" legislation when it came to paying military service members and air traffic controllers, Punchbowl News reported Tuesday. But focus has shifted to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which lapse Saturday.

“My view is what it has been from the very beginning, and that is to pay SNAP recipients by reopening the government. It’s not complicated,” Thune said Monday night.

Both Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have pushed back on a Democratic-led attempt to keep the food pr

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