Food Aid Fight: Courts Step In as Shutdown Drags On

Federal Appeals Court Rules Against Administration

The Trump administration faced another setback in its attempt to limit food stamp funding. A federal appeals court recently ruled against the administration's efforts to withhold full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This decision came as Congress worked to reopen the government, providing a bit of hope for millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.

Court Upholds Full Funding for SNAP

The U. S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld a previous order requiring the administration to provide full aid to approximately 42 million people who depend on SNAP. However, the decision might not take effect until late Tuesday, following instructions from the Supreme Court. The Trump administration had previously asked the Supreme Court to intervene, which temporarily halted the requirement to fully fund SNAP.

White House Refuses to Use Leftover Funds

Throughout the government shutdown, the White House refused to use leftover funds to prevent interruptions in food stamp payments. This stance contrasted with other budget rearrangements made by President Trump, such as reprogramming billions of dollars for deportation efforts. The administration even threatened to penalize states that tried to provide full benefits to residents, prompting a strong backlash.

Massachusetts Judge Grants Temporary Block

On Monday, a judge in Massachusetts granted a request from over two dozen states to temporarily block the federal government from enforcing its directive to withhold benefits. The attorney general of Massachusetts, Andrea Joy Campbell, stated that the federal government cannot take back critical resources from those in need, nor can it punish states for helping their residents.

Legal Battle Begins in Rhode Island

The legal battle began late last month when a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the administration to find ways to provide food stamp payments for November. When the government failed to comply quickly, the judge instructed it to use all available funds to pay benefits in full. Despite this, the Trump administration continued to resist, escalating the fight to the Supreme Court.

Appeals Court Denies Administration's Request

By late Sunday, the appeals court denied the administration's request in a scathing 29-page opinion. The court criticized the administration's tactics during the shutdown, stating that SNAP is a vital program for low-income Americans. The judges noted that the government knew its original plan to make only partial payments would be difficult to implement and that it had done nothing to solve the problem.

Advocates Praise Decision

Diane Yentel, president of the National Council of Nonprofits, praised the decision, calling the administration's use of hungry Americans as a political tool callous and cruel. However, it remains unclear if the legal battle is over, as lawmakers on Capitol Hill appeared closer to ending the longest government shutdown in U. S. history with a spending deal that would restore SNAP funding.