Overview
- USDA told a federal court it will deplete roughly $4.6 billion in contingency funds to cover about 50% of November SNAP benefits and sent guidance to states, warning of weeks‑long or longer delays as systems are reprogrammed.
- President Trump posted that benefits "will be given only when" Democrats reopen government, a stance that clashes with the Justice Department’s filing and prompted requests for clarification from reporters.
- Two federal judges ordered the administration to keep SNAP funded, and plaintiffs have moved to enforce those orders and seek full benefits, with Judge John McConnell setting a response deadline and a Thursday hearing.
- Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic bid to force full November SNAP payments, leaving the program partially funded during a shutdown now in its 35th day.
- States are enacting stopgaps—Maryland, Louisiana, New Mexico, Vermont and D.C. among them—while food banks report surging demand, and roughly 42 million people face uncertain timing and amounts.