Trump Withholds SNAP Funding Amid Current Government Shutdown
Amid the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump has the authority to prevent nearly 42 million Americans from losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Experts, including a former government official, argue the administration’s claim of being unable to provide funding is a political choice.
Background on SNAP Funding
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports from 2019 highlight that during Trump’s first term, funds were appropriated to avert funding cliffs for food assistance programs. This raises questions about the current administration’s funding strategies.
Legal Framework and Funds Available
- The Food and Nutrition Act mandates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist eligible households.
- A contingency reserve of approximately $6 billion is allocated for SNAP, with $3 billion usable until September 30, 2026.
- An additional $3 billion is accessible for use until 2027.
Despite this, concerns have been raised regarding the legality of the administration’s refusal to use these contingency funds. Critics, such as former Office of Management and Budget General Counsel Samuel Bagenstos, emphasize the administration may be breaking the law by not utilizing available funds. They assert that other resources were available to support SNAP benefits during past funding gaps.
Administration’s Response to the Shutdown
During previous government shutdowns, Trump utilized funds from expired budgets to ensure SNAP benefits continued. However, the GAO indicated that Trump could have legally used contingency funds for this purpose, which were under his control.
Current Political Implications
David Super, a professor at Georgetown University, criticized the administration’s shutdown plan and its reversal on funding SNAP benefits. He stated that the administration deliberately chose not to use available resources.
Controversy Surrounding SNAP Funding Decisions
Confusion remains over the administration’s funding decisions. A USDA memo described how contingency funds could support emergency food assistance programs. However, critics argue that this misses the larger issue of why the administration isn’t accessing the funds already available for SNAP.
Vice President JD Vance recently declined to explain why the administration isn’t reallocating resources for SNAP, despite having recently done so for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. He suggested that Democrats should play a role in resolving the impasse.
Looking Ahead
The implications of the shutdown are profound, especially for low-income Americans who rely on food aid. Without intervention, many may face significant hardship as SNAP benefits become at risk.
