A federal judge has blocked President Trump’s attempt to suspend food assistance under the SNAP program amid the ongoing government shutdown.
U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island issued an emergency order halting the suspension, siding with cities, nonprofits, and unions that argued cutting off SNAP benefits for more than 40 million Americans was unlawful.
Judge McConnell stated, “It is beyond argument that irreparable harm will occur, if it hasn’t already, given the fear many families face over access to food.”
The court ruled that the federal government still has resources available and ordered the USDA to use over $5 billion in reserve funds—originally established under President Biden—to keep SNAP running. Plaintiffs noted that additional reserves totaling $23 billion could also be used, given that SNAP costs roughly $9 billion per month.
The judge directed the agency to decide by Monday, November 3rd, whether SNAP benefits will be partially or fully funded.
Source: Reuters
