What's happened
The USDA announced that SNAP benefits will be reduced to up to 65% of usual payments amid ongoing government shutdowns and legal challenges. Courts are weighing whether emergency funds can be used to partially fund the program, affecting millions of Americans relying on food aid.
What's behind the headline?
The legal disputes over SNAP funding reveal a broader struggle between federal authority and state interests. Courts are pushing the government to utilize emergency funds, highlighting the importance of legal interpretations of budget regulations. The administration's reluctance to access these reserves underscores political tensions, with some officials viewing the shutdown as a leverage point against congressional opposition. The delays and benefit cuts threaten food security for millions, especially vulnerable households. This situation will likely escalate into further legal battles, with potential for nationwide injunctions that could force the government to fully fund SNAP despite budget constraints. The outcome will set a precedent for how emergency funds are used during government shutdowns and could influence future social safety net policies.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the USDA's plans to reduce benefits have been met with legal challenges from 25 states and the District of Columbia, emphasizing that the government is legally obligated to maintain the program. Court rulings have demanded the use of emergency funds, with some judges skeptical of the administration's claims that partial payments are too complex to implement. The USDA argues that the contingency fund, totaling approximately $5.25 billion, is not legally available during the shutdown, but critics contend that Congress intended these reserves to be used in such crises. The legal battles highlight the tension between budget regulations and the urgent need to prevent food insecurity among millions of Americans, with some states and advocacy groups setting up alternative aid measures to mitigate disruptions. The South China Morning Post notes that the courts are actively weighing whether the government can legally suspend benefits, with some judges indicating that partial payments should be made, and others questioning the government's interpretation of emergency funds. Overall, the legal and political landscape remains uncertain, with significant implications for the future of SNAP funding during government shutdowns.
How we got here
The SNAP program, serving about 42 million Americans, faced funding disruptions due to the federal government shutdown starting October 1, 2025. The USDA initially planned to halt payments, citing insufficient funds, but courts intervened, demanding the use of emergency reserves. Legal challenges from multiple states argue that the government must exhaust available funds before suspending benefits, leading to ongoing court battles and logistical delays in benefit distribution.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Will SNAP Food Aid Be Funded in November?
With the US government facing a shutdown, many Americans are wondering if their food assistance through SNAP will continue. The situation is complex, involving legal battles and political disputes that could impact millions. Below, we answer key questions about the current status of SNAP funding and what it means for those relying on food aid.
-
How Will the US Government Shutdown Impact Your Benefits and Daily Life?
The ongoing US government shutdown has raised many questions about its effects on social programs, economic stability, and everyday Americans. From food assistance to legal reasons behind the shutdown, people want clear answers. Below, we explore the key issues and what you need to know about the current situation.
More on these topics
-
The United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the Agriculture Department, is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Indira Talwani (born October 6, 1960) is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
-
The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government of the United States. It is a bicameral legislature, including a lower body, the U.S. House of Representatives, and an upper body, the U.S. Senate. They both meet in the United
-
In the United States, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly yet still commonly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people.