Judges Order Trump Administration to Release SNAP Funding
US judges have ruled that the Trump administration must access emergency funding to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, despite a federal government shutdown. The rulings come after lawsuits filed by multiple states and organizations seeking to compel the administration to utilize available funds.
Several states had already pledged to cover any shortfall in SNAP benefits with their own funds, but were warned by the federal government they would not be reimbursed. Half of US states initially sued the trump administration, aiming to force the use of a roughly $6 billion emergency contingency fund designated for SNAP.
massachusetts US District Judge Indira Talwani issued a decision stating the administration “erred in concluding” that the USDA was legally prohibited from tapping into the emergency reserves during the funding lapse. She wrote that the states suing were “likely to win in court” on their claim that Congress intended for SNAP benefits to continue, even at a reduced rate, when appropriated funds were insufficient. The judge ordered the administration to report back to the court by Monday regarding authorization of at least partial benefits for November.
The USDA had argued the contingency fund was insufficient to cover the full $8.5 to $9 billion monthly cost of SNAP benefits, and that the funds should be reserved for emergencies like natural disasters. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the administration was “looking at all the options” when asked about complying with potential court orders to release the funds.
Even utilizing the contingency fund would onyl cover approximately 60% of SNAP beneficiaries for a single month, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Judge Talwani has requested the administration report on Monday whether it will utilize the fund for reduced benefits or reallocate funds from other programs, similar to a recent transfer of military research funds to pay armed forces personnel.
A separate lawsuit in Rhode Island, brought by US cities and NGOs, also challenged the “unlawful suspension” of the program. US District Judge John McConnell emphasized the “irreparable harm” caused by uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding, stating, “there is there’s no doubt whatsoever…it is indeed beyond argument that irreparable harm will begin to occur if it hasn’t already occurred in the terror it has caused some peopel about the availability of funding for food, for their family.”
The White House and the USDA have not yet commented on the rulings. The BBC has also reached out to the Office of Management and budget for comment.
The group behind the Rhode Island lawsuit released a statement calling the ruling “a lifeline for millions of families, seniors, and veterans” and affirming that “no administration can use hunger as a political weapon.”
The rulings come as the federal shutdown approaches its second month, with Republicans and Democrats continuing to trade blame and failing to make notable progress towards a resolution.
