The current government shutdown, now the longest in recent history, has sparked a legal battle as 25 states challenge the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program, vital for over 40 million Americans, faces a funding crisis with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirming that SNAP benefits will cease starting November 1 unless a congressional funding agreement is reached.
The USDA has exhausted its reserve funds and blames Senate Democrats for blocking attempts to replenish them. The agency's statement highlights that this marks 12 instances of such opposition and underscores the consequences: no benefit issuance come November. The halt in benefits has spurred 22 Democratic attorneys general and governors from Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania to take legal action, filing a lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The coalition argues that the Trump administration has unlawfully suspended SNAP during the shutdown, with the Washington Examiner reporting that the complaint alleges the existence of $6 billion in emergency reserves capable of sustaining payments through November. Nevertheless, the USDA contests this, maintaining that the contingency fund is earmarked for disaster relief and cannot support regular monthly benefits.
Amidst this dispute, recipients of SNAP benefits face uncertainty as electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards will not be recharged. SNAP provides essential assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals who rely on the program to meet their basic food needs. The impasse has prompted some Democrats to call for an immediate resolution to avoid prolonged hardship. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman emphasized the urgent need for funding SNAP and reopening the government.
In response to the deadlock, Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) introduced the "SNAP Back Act," which aims to reimburse states for providing benefits during future shutdowns. The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez, is designed to ensure a safety net against similar crises.
As the shutdown extends into its fourth week, the ripple effects are becoming more pronounced. The lawsuit, spearheaded by state officials like Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, underscores the critical nature of SNAP benefits, particularly as the nation approaches the holiday season. Without a resolution, millions of Americans risk facing the holidays without this fundamental support system.
