Overview
- Two federal judges issued differing rulings: one ordered USDA to tap contingency funds for SNAP immediately, while another called the suspension illegal without compelling payments to resume.
- President Donald Trump directed government lawyers to obtain court guidance on funding SNAP and said he would provide financing if authorized, warning of likely delays.
- USDA had planned to halt SNAP disbursements starting Nov. 1, prompting lawsuits by more than 20 Democratic-led states, led by California, to force use of emergency funds.
- Justice Department lawyers argue contingency money is intended for disasters and is insufficient for the roughly $8 billion monthly cost; judges questioned that interpretation.
- SNAP supports about 42 million people with an average $332 per household, and even with court action many states need days to load benefits, as broader shutdown effects spread to air travel and potentially military pay later in November.