Food Assistance Fight: Judge Steps In

A federal judge in Boston has decided to step into a heated dispute over SNAP food assistance funds. The issue revolves around the Trump administration's decision not to use billions in emergency funds to cover food stamp benefits for millions of Americans in November. The judge, Indira Talwani, expressed confusion over why the administration wouldn't tap into these emergency funds during a time of clear need. She hinted that she might issue an order forcing the administration to use these funds. However, she acknowledged that benefits, which were supposed to start on November 1, will likely be delayed. Nearly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, which cost around $8. 5 billion to $9 billion monthly. The contingency fund currently holds about $5. 3 billion, but this isn't enough to cover the full November benefits. The judge emphasized that federal law requires the government to reduce benefits, not suspend them entirely, when funds are low. A group of Democratic attorneys general and governors from 25 states and Washington, DC, sued the administration over this issue. They argued that the USDA's decision to not use the contingency fund violates federal law. The USDA initially said it couldn't use the fund, reversing an earlier statement that suggested it was possible. The judge also raised questions about how partial payments would work, given the insufficient funds. States would need to figure out how to reduce payments, but the USDA expressed concerns about this process. The USDA's changing positions on this issue have added to the confusion.