Food aid for more than 40 million Americans is at risk of expiring at week's end. Republican leaders in Congress said it's all or nothing Wednesday as they rejected a Democratic push for a temporary fix. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said that SNAP benefits have never stopped during previous government shutdowns and urged quick passage of the funding bill. But Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans would not let Democrats pick winners and losers by funding only parts of the federal government. Thune said "it's time to fund everybody." The Department of Agriculture says the SNAP benefits will end Friday.

The federal government shutdown is raising anxiety levels among service members and their families because those in uniform are working without pay. While they would receive back pay once the impasse ends, many military families live paycheck to paycheck. During previous shutdowns, Congress passed legislation to ensure that troops kept earning their salaries. Time is running out before they miss their first paycheck in less than a week. Payday is supposed to be Wednesday, but the House isn't expected to be back until Monday. Support for military families is available through various nonprofits and charities. And some financial institutions are offering zero-interest loans. But families and advocates say that help can only do so much.