Overview
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued an administrative stay that temporarily blocks a district court order requiring full November SNAP benefits, and the administration asked the Court to keep the freeze while appeals continue.
- USDA told states to issue only 65% of November benefits and to reverse any full disbursements, warning of sanctions and potential state liability for excess payments.
- Several states had already loaded full benefits to millions of recipients; some governors said they will not claw back funds, and federal reimbursements were frozen in places like Wisconsin.
- The First Circuit left the lower-court order intact, but it has no effect while the Supreme Court stay remains; the Justice Department said it will keep appealing even as funding negotiations proceed.
- The Senate moved a short-term spending bill that would reopen the government and secure SNAP funding through the fiscal year, but House action is still needed and millions remain uncertain about timing and amounts.