SNAP Disruption Deepens as 31-Day Shutdown Leaves Millions Without Timely Aid

Overview

• Two federal judges directed the government to maintain SNAP using emergency funds, and President Trump said he would release money once courts clarify the legal mechanism.
• Despite the rulings, many beneficiaries report interrupted or delayed payments as agencies warn the restart could take several days.
• Communities mobilized in Houston with mass distributions at NRG Stadium and restaurant donations, and the Houston Food Bank estimated about 425,000 local families are affected.
• The shutdown entered its fifth week as Republicans push a stopgap funding bill through November 21 and Democrats insist on safeguards for social programs, with Hakeem Jeffries accusing the administration of weaponizing hunger and the White House blaming Democrats.
• More than 700,000 essential federal workers are unpaid, including roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers, and airports in Texas, Florida, New York and Washington have seen significant delays and cancellations.