US Judge Orders Trump Administration to Pay SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown, Defying Federal Government's Stance
A federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that the Trump administration must use contingency funding and other available resources to pay out next month's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. This move comes as New York Attorney General Letitia James and 24 other states, along with Washington D.C., joined forces to challenge the administration's decision.
The lawsuit was filed in response to the Trump administration's initial plan to suspend SNAP payments starting November 1 due to the shutdown. The government had claimed it couldn't use contingency funds to cover costs, citing a $6 billion surplus. However, US District Judge Indira Talwani rejected this argument, stating that the administration could utilize additional discretionary funds "to avoid any reductions."
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for advocates of SNAP benefits, who argue that millions of families rely on these programs to survive. The Trump administration's decision would have left many vulnerable Americans without access to food assistance during the shutdown.
While it remains unclear when the payments will be made and whether there may be any delays, officials are working to ensure that no one goes hungry. Kanchana Suggu, senior vice president of United Way of New York City, has warned that disruptions caused by the shutdown are already straining families and that food pantries will need to work overtime to provide support.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the administration to release funds immediately and support her state's efforts to keep residents fed during the shutdown. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of SNAP benefits in supporting low-income households, particularly during times of crisis.
The move by Judge Talwani is not an isolated incident, as another federal judge in Rhode Island issued a similar ruling on Friday in response to a lawsuit filed by local cities and community organizations. As the federal government shutdown continues, advocates will be watching closely to ensure that these benefits continue to reach those who need them most.
A federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that the Trump administration must use contingency funding and other available resources to pay out next month's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. This move comes as New York Attorney General Letitia James and 24 other states, along with Washington D.C., joined forces to challenge the administration's decision.
The lawsuit was filed in response to the Trump administration's initial plan to suspend SNAP payments starting November 1 due to the shutdown. The government had claimed it couldn't use contingency funds to cover costs, citing a $6 billion surplus. However, US District Judge Indira Talwani rejected this argument, stating that the administration could utilize additional discretionary funds "to avoid any reductions."
The ruling is seen as a significant victory for advocates of SNAP benefits, who argue that millions of families rely on these programs to survive. The Trump administration's decision would have left many vulnerable Americans without access to food assistance during the shutdown.
While it remains unclear when the payments will be made and whether there may be any delays, officials are working to ensure that no one goes hungry. Kanchana Suggu, senior vice president of United Way of New York City, has warned that disruptions caused by the shutdown are already straining families and that food pantries will need to work overtime to provide support.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has called on the administration to release funds immediately and support her state's efforts to keep residents fed during the shutdown. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of SNAP benefits in supporting low-income households, particularly during times of crisis.
The move by Judge Talwani is not an isolated incident, as another federal judge in Rhode Island issued a similar ruling on Friday in response to a lawsuit filed by local cities and community organizations. As the federal government shutdown continues, advocates will be watching closely to ensure that these benefits continue to reach those who need them most.
I'm all for this ruling, but can't we just get the politicians to stop playing politics with people's plates? Like, SNAP is a basic human right and everyone should have access to food no matter what. 
The fact that they had to fight tooth and nail over it is ridiculous. And now, let's hope the admin actually follows through on this ruling and gets those funds out ASAP. 
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These programs are meant to help people in need, not just to be some bureaucratic headache. And what's with all the fuss over $6 billion surplus? That's just numbers, you know? 
The real issue is that people are struggling to put food on the table.
. The government's been known to stall things like this before, and then scramble to catch up when everyone's already hungry 
I'm so relieved that some common sense has prevailed! 
This ruling is literally a lifeline for families who are already struggling to make ends meet. It's heartbreaking to think about how many parents would have to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table for their kids. The government should be supporting its own citizens, not making them go hungry. 
I'm glad that some states and local organizations are stepping up to help fill the gap, but it's unacceptable that the feds weren't doing their job in the first place. 
... it's like they're trying to pull something over on us! And what about the other federal judges who are doing the same thing? Is this just a coordinated effort or what? 
im all about supporting those in need and if the judge is helpin us out then thats def a win 
I'm so glad there are judges like Judge Talwani who are fighting for these folks... it's about time the government starts prioritizing people over politics 
These states and NYC are like, "Hey, we got your back" while the feds were all, "Nah, sorry, not sorry." It's like they say: you can't buy happiness, but you can pay for food stamps. 
. This ruling shows that there are still good people in power who care about helping those in need 
But seriously, it's a big deal. Millions of ppl are counting on these programs to get by. And that judge in Massachusetts is like, "Nah, you can't just leave them hanging." 
. It's like they're trying to starve people on purpose? No way, that's just cruel. And yeah, it's a huge win for advocates who are fighting for these families' rights 
. We need more leaders like her who actually care about people's lives 
.