Overview
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told recipients "we have failed you" at a Friday press conference, after which Speaker Mike Johnson asserted she meant Democrats were to blame.
- The administration acknowledges a contingency fund exists but argues it is legally restricted and insufficient for a full month of benefits, with roughly $5–6 billion available versus an $8–9 billion need.
- At least 24 states sued in federal court in Massachusetts to compel partial funding for November, and a separate case was filed in Rhode Island challenging the administration’s actions on SNAP.
- Judge Indira Talwani signaled the situation qualifies as an emergency, and two federal judges issued orders Friday pushing back on the administration’s stance, though any relief could still face operational delays.
- Media claims about program misuse escalated, including a NewsMax anchor suggesting benefits pay for hair or nails, but USDA rules limit SNAP purchases to food items.