Reed, Whitehouse in Rhode Island as government shutdown continues

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With the deadline for SNAP benefits looming during the continuing government shutdown, both of Rhode Island’s senators were in the state on Friday.

“The problem of compromise is 100% on the Republicans,” Sheldon Whitehouse said.

The delegates spoke at Sojourner House headquarters in Providence about the government shutdown that was set to become the longest in history.

The senators, however, believed that progress was being made in negotiations, and said that some Republicans were softening their positions.

The main holdup has as been funding for Affordable Care Act subsidies.

That’s something that Sen. Jack Reed and Whitehouse say that Republicans were moving towards what they called a “more sensible position,” although they said they both needed to make sure that they hold their position.

“I’m hoping there will be a framework of a deal worked out,” Whitehouse said.

Whitehouse and Reed said that they’ve heard Senate Majority Leader John Thune will be negotiating with some Democratic members of Congress, which they said was a psoitive, if overdue, development.

Reed and Whitehouse both also said that the Trump administration should release a $6 billion contingency designed to cover those with SNAP benefits.