The Trump administration has sought an emergency halt on a federal judge’s order that mandates full funding for SNAP benefits this month. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell directed the administration to ensure complete payments to states by Friday. He criticized the delays that have potentially left many SNAP recipients without necessary support.
Recent Developments in SNAP Funding
Earlier this week, the administration committed to utilizing $4.65 billion in contingency funds. This amount covers approximately 65% of the benefits for eligible households. However, the administration claims it cannot tap into additional funds allocated for child nutrition programs, referred to as Section 32 funding, to meet the full SNAP requirements.
Government Shutdown Impacts Financial Support
In a court document submitted on Friday, the Trump administration cited the ongoing government shutdown as the reason for only partial payments being feasible for November. The administration referred to the situation as a crisis caused by congressional inaction. It emphasized that only Congress could resolve these funding issues.
- U.S. District Judge: John McConnell
- Contingency funds available: $4.65 billion
- Percentage of benefits covered: 65%
- Section 32 funding: Child nutrition program allocation
Arguments Against Full Funding Transfer
The filing stated, “This Court should allow USDA to continue with the partial payment and not compel the agency to transfer billions of dollars from another safety net program with no certainty of their replenishment.” This highlights the administration’s concern over financial stability across multiple assistance programs.
This ongoing situation is developing, and updates are anticipated as legal proceedings progress. The need for resolution is critical given the implications for millions of Americans relying on SNAP for their basic food needs.
