Judge Rules on SNAP Benefits Suspension

A federal judge in Massachusetts indicated on Friday that the Trump administration’s decision to halt SNAP food benefits, affecting 42 million people, may be against the law during the ongoing government shutdown. However, the judge did not mandate the White House to tap into emergency funds to maintain these benefits.

In a detailed 15-page ruling, Boston U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani directed the Department of Agriculture to clarify by Monday whether it could utilize funds designated for disaster response to either decrease SNAP benefits or, alternatively, to fully fund SNAP benefits through emergency resources and other available funds.

Recently, leaders from 25 Democratic-led states, along with the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit against the USDA after the agency cautioned that the continuing shutdown is depleting SNAP benefits, commonly referred to as food stamps.

For the first time in 60 years, federal funding for SNAP is expected to expire on Saturday. The states claim that the Trump administration is in violation of the Food and Nutrition Act, which states that all eligible households must receive assistance.

Earlier the same day, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters that the administration was unable to access reserve funds even if they wished to do so. She pointed out, “The Department of Agriculture does have an emergency fund, but it’s unlikely to cover even half of the $9.2 billion required for SNAP in November. It’s designed to support programs that have been approved. For instance, if Hurricane Melissa strikes, this fund would be for immediate assistance to affected communities, but only if the total expenditures are authorized.”