UPDATE: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on CNN’s State of the Union that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could resume as soon as Wednesday, impacting approximately 42 million Americans. This urgent development follows recent court rulings mandating the administration to utilize contingency funds for these vital payments.
The federal government has been in a shutdown since October 1, 2023, due to a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over funding issues. This impasse has left many federal employees without pay and has disrupted crucial services, including SNAP. The news is especially alarming as nearly 75 percent of SNAP households live at or below the poverty level, raising questions about how families will afford groceries during this critical time.
On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the administration must continue SNAP payments using emergency funds. U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. stated, “There is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown.” Similarly, Judge Indira Talwani declared the suspension of SNAP benefits “unlawful,” demanding the government provide clarity on funding by Monday.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has argued it lacks the necessary authority and funding to deliver full SNAP benefits for November amid the shutdown. Currently, $5.25 billion is available in the program’s contingency fund, but experts estimate at least $8.5 billion is needed for complete payments. The delay in benefits is putting immense pressure on families who rely on this support for their daily meals.
Bessent emphasized the need for a clear process to allocate funds, prompting CNN host Jake Tapper to inquire if benefits could indeed be distributed by Wednesday. Bessent replied, “It could be, and five Democratic senators could cross the aisle and open the government by Wednesday,” underscoring the urgent political maneuvering necessary to resolve the shutdown.
Local food banks and community organizations are bracing for the fallout, as many have mobilized resources to support families expected to miss their SNAP benefits. New York has already declared a state of emergency, with Governor Kathy Hochul allocating over $100 million for emergency food supplies.
Responses to the situation have been swift and varied. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “The USDA needs to release all available funding for this critical program immediately. It’s cruel, it’s immoral, and it’s beneath us as a nation.” Meanwhile, Senator Rand Paul raised concerns about the growing number of Americans relying on SNAP, suggesting it reflects broader economic issues.
As the administration prepares to inform federal judges about its plans for SNAP funding by Monday, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Millions of families are left in uncertainty, and the pressure is mounting on lawmakers to find a resolution. The coming days will be crucial as officials navigate the complexities of funding amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share this information with those who may be affected by these changes.
