In brief
A federal judge will address a motion concerning the continuation of SNAP funding amid the ongoing government shutdown. The USDA plans to freeze payments to the program, impacting millions of recipients. Legal challenges from Democratic state officials argue that the administration has an obligation to maintain funding using available contingency funds. The outcome could significantly affect food assistance programs serving approximately 41 million Americans.
BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge in Boston is set to consider a motion that could compel the Trump administration to ensure funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, comes just days before the U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to suspend payments to the program, claiming that the shutdown renders them unable to continue funding.
SNAP is crucial for approximately 1 in 8 Americans and represents a significant element of the social safety net. News that the program might be among the first casualties of the shutdown came just weeks ago, prompting states, food banks, and recipients to scramble for solutions. Some states have indicated intentions to utilize their resources to keep portions of the program operational.
Legal actions initiated by Democratic state attorneys general from 25 states and the District of Columbia are challenging the decision to pause SNAP funding, asserting that the administration is legally bound to maintain the program.
The administration contends that a contingency fund of roughly $5 billion cannot be tapped for this purpose, despite previous USDA indications that the fund would be available to sustain SNAP. This assertion has led Democratic officials to argue that the funds are not only usable for this cause but are also necessary, pointing to another fund with approximately $23 billion that is potentially accessible.
Currently, the program incurs costs of around $8 billion monthly. The implications of a federal court ruling could have lasting effects on millions, with typical replenishment of beneficiaries' debit cards for purchasing groceries usually taking one to two weeks after any decision.
Last year, SNAP supported 41 million people, predominantly families with children, with qualification based on a family of four's income not exceeding the federal poverty level of about $31,000 annually.
As the judge deliberates, the fate of millions relying on this program hangs in the balance.
