What's happened
The USDA announced that due to the federal shutdown, SNAP benefits will be reduced to 65% of usual payments, with some recipients receiving no benefits. The benefit cards could be loaded as soon as Friday in Louisiana, but delays are expected in most states. The cuts follow legal challenges and court rulings on the use of emergency funds.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing shutdown exposes the fragility of the US social safety net, especially when legal and political disputes hinder timely aid delivery. Courts have emphasized Congress's intent to protect vulnerable populations, but the administration's reluctance to fully utilize emergency funds risks deepening food insecurity. The legal battles highlight the tension between budget constraints and moral obligations. If the government fails to resolve funding issues swiftly, millions could face hunger, with delays in benefit loading exacerbating hardship. This situation underscores the need for clearer contingency planning and legislative safeguards to prevent future disruptions in essential social programs.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the USDA's court filings reveal a complex legal debate over the use of emergency funds, with judges questioning the administration's reluctance to partially fund SNAP benefits. The article highlights the legal challenges from 25 states and the District of Columbia, emphasizing the court's skepticism of the government's position that partial payments are too difficult to implement. Meanwhile, the court's potential nationwide ruling could set a precedent for future shutdown-related disruptions. The coverage underscores the political and legal stakes, illustrating how the shutdown threatens to undermine decades of social policy protections. For a detailed analysis, see the coverage by The Independent, which provides direct quotes from court proceedings and government officials, illustrating the high-stakes legal battle over food aid funding.
How we got here
The US Department of Agriculture initially planned to halt SNAP payments starting November 1 due to the government shutdown, which has limited federal funding. An emergency fund of $4.65 billion was expected to cover about half of the usual benefits, but legal challenges argued that the government must continue payments. Courts ordered the government to use emergency funds to partially fund the program, leading to ongoing uncertainty about benefit levels and timing. The shutdown has caused delays and legal disputes, with states and advocates warning of increased food insecurity for millions of Americans relying on SNAP.
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.