UPDATE: President Donald Trump’s administration has just confirmed it will only partially fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans this month, following urgent court rulings. With the potential for the longest government shutdown in U.S. history looming, this decision affects over 42 million Americans relying on these crucial benefits.
In a significant ruling on November 3, 2023, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allocate funds from a contingency reserve. Judge John McConnell gave the USDA two options: fully cover the $8 billion in November SNAP funding by the end of Monday or make a partial payment by Wednesday. The administration opted for the latter, committing $4.65 billion to cover only 50% of eligible households’ benefits.
This decision comes amidst a growing hunger crisis, as the limited funding means no resources will be available for new SNAP applicants or as a buffer against a potential complete shutdown of the program. The hunger implications are dire, especially as Thanksgiving approaches.
In response, Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, expressed relief that some funds would be released but criticized the administration’s reluctance to provide full benefits. “It shouldn’t take a court order to force our president to provide essential nutrition that Congress has made clear needs to be provided,” she remarked.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell also condemned the administration’s actions, stating, “Never in the history of the SNAP program— including during government shutdowns—has funding ever been suspended or only partially funded.” She emphasized that while some funding is better than none, the federal government is only doing the bare minimum.
Democratic leaders in Congress have echoed these sentiments. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the partial funding as “cruel and callous,” urging immediate full funding as families face food insecurity. Similarly, Patty Murray, Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, labeled the administration’s actions as unacceptable, advocating for full SNAP funding under the law.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With millions of Americans dependent on these funds for essential nutrition, delays and limitations threaten their well-being. Rep. Pramila Jayapal called the partial funding “a very temporary Band-Aid,” stressing the immediate need for a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown to ensure families can put food on their tables.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes are on the administration and Congress to resolve these issues swiftly. The impact of this partial funding will be felt across the nation, and advocates are prepared to continue the fight for full SNAP benefits. The next few days will be critical as stakeholders monitor the USDA’s actions and response to court orders.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
