25 States Sue Trump Over SNAP Freeze Amid Shutdown
A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the cancellation of SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown. This action highlights rising concerns over the impact on food security for over 25 million Americans who depend on federal assistance. The lawsuit was lodged in a Massachusetts federal court, where the states are seeking a court order for the Department of Agriculture to continue providing food stamp benefits for November.
Details of the Lawsuit
The states involved in the lawsuit include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
The lawsuit argues that cutting off food stamp payments violates federal law and endangers public health. State officials state that denying benefits leads to food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly affecting children.
Context of the Government Shutdown
The current government shutdown, which has lasted for 28 days, is now the second-longest in U.S. history. Federal officials had previously announced that they would stop issuing food aid starting November 1, after declining to utilize $5 billion in contingency funds to maintain the SNAP benefits.
In defense of their decision, the USDA cited the failure of Democrats to support a stopgap funding bill. A spokesperson noted that unless the government reopens, SNAP benefits will not be available.
Contingency Funds Controversy
State officials contest this decision, claiming that the USDA has shifted its policy regarding the use of contingency funds to cover SNAP benefits during funding lapses. They allege that this constitutes a legal misinterpretation that endangers millions of beneficiaries.
New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the critical role of SNAP in battling hunger. “Millions of Americans are about to go hungry due to the federal government’s failure to provide aid,” she stated.
Political Ramifications
The Trump administration’s ongoing shutdown has prompted cancellations of federal programs in blue states and laid-off notices for thousands of federal employees. Amid this backdrop, bipartisan concerns are emerging regarding the halt of food stamp payments.
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced legislation aimed at ensuring continued funding for food assistance during the shutdown. He is joined by ten Republican senators and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont in this initiative.
As the stalemate continues, the focus intensifies on protecting SNAP benefits for the millions relying on this vital source of food assistance.
