Overview
- U.S. District Judges Indira Talwani in Massachusetts and John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island ordered the administration to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the shutdown.
- Judge McConnell directed the immediate use of emergency funds, while Judge Talwani set a Nov. 3 deadline for a lawful funding plan without specifying the source.
- President Trump said government lawyers doubt they have authority to use certain available monies and that he has instructed them to seek judicial clarification.
- Nearly 42 million people could see disruptions with the program’s funding window expiring Nov. 1 and contingency reserves falling short of a full month’s need.
- Trump blamed Senate Democrats for the shutdown, posted Sen. Chuck Schumer’s office number for callers, and warned state processing could still delay payments even with court guidance.