PHOTOS: Politicians exchange charges over government shutdown, SNAP and health care benefits

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, various politicians gathered to discuss the loss of SNAP benefits and the 29th day of the government shutdown. Led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, House Republicans held a press conference in the morning to discuss what they called the “Democrat shutdown,” urging Democrats to end the deadlock over government funding that has suspended many services and programs and left federal employees without pay.

Democrats, meanwhile, held an event urging congressional leaders to extend vital Obamacare subsidies that are slated to expire at year’s end. Those subsidies are a key issue in the shutdown fight. The event outside the United States Capitol featured various Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland.

Elsewhere in the Capitol later in the afternoon, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and other senators held a press conference related to suspension of food assistance benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The government shutdown will suspend SNAP benefits starting on Saturday.