The Senate was created to represent the interests of the states and to slow down radical measures from the House, but it has failed to live up to its ideal due to a lack of deliberation, partisanship,

Several Senate Democrats have already voted with Republicans to reopen the government, but Republicans only hold 53 seats and Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul has consistently voted to keep the government closed.

Almost two dozen states have filed a lawsuit arguing that President Donald Trump's administration has the money to continue the benefits and is legally required to do so. Schumer said that SNAP benefits have never stopped during previous government shutdowns and that Trump is “picking politics over the lives of hungry kids."

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed 48 of President Donald Trump’s nominees at once, voting for the first time under new rules to begin clearing a backlog of executive branch positions that had been delayed by Democrats.

The Senate has erupted after a stunt yesterday where the Coaliton, Greens and crossbench teamed up to pressure the government to release a secret report — with claims Labor is vowing retribution.

Two seats are up for grabs Tuesday, one in the Woodbury area, the other a more rural Wright County seat. If Democrats win both races, it would widen their advantage in the chamber. A sweep for Republicans would put them back in the majority.

Confusion erupted on Wednesday over reports that Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, was prevented from entering the Senate chamber during the confirmation of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey detailed the state's response to the upcoming lapse in SNAP funding due to the government shutdown.