Overview
- The Justice Department asked the First Circuit to suspend U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr.’s directive to fully fund November SNAP, arguing courts cannot compel executive spending.
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a temporary stay Friday night to allow appellate consideration of whether the order forcing full payments can stand.
- USDA previously directed states to issue up to 65% of typical benefits for November, reflecting roughly $4.6–5 billion in contingency funds against a monthly cost estimated at $8–9 billion.
- Some states reported full payments already reaching recipients, including California, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, while others proceeded with partial disbursements or awaited guidance.
- Roughly 41–42 million people rely on SNAP, and delays have driven heavier demand at food banks as states implement staggered payment schedules and, in a few cases, deploy limited state funds to bridge gaps.