Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 2: Two US federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration cannot suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown, ensuring continued food aid for around 42 million low-income Americans.

The rulings direct the administration to use emergency contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits, which provide monthly assistance for groceries to families across the country.

Massachusetts District Judge Indira Talwani said the states suing the administration were likely to win their case, ruling that “Congress intended the funding of SNAP benefits, at a reduced rate if necessary, when appropriated funds prove insufficient.” She ordered the government to use the $6 billion contingency fund and report back by Monday on whether partial payments would be issued for November.

In a separate ruling, Rhode Island District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. instructed the administration to make full SNAP payments by November 3, saying the contingency fund and another $23 billion fund under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 could be used to ensure benefits continue.

Both judges noted that suspending the programme would cause “irreparable harm” to millions of families relying on food aid.

President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social saying he had instructed government lawyers to seek legal guidance. “If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding,” he wrote.

The Department of Agriculture had earlier stated that it would not distribute food assistance funds in November due to the shutdown, saying “the well has run dry.” The USDA argued that the reserves were insufficient to cover the $8.5–$9 billion monthly cost of SNAP, but the judges disagreed.

Several states and advocacy groups had sued the federal government over what they described as an “unlawful suspension” of the food aid programme, calling it a move that would endanger millions of Americans.

Following the rulings, campaigners welcomed the decisions, saying they were “a lifeline for millions of families, seniors, and veterans who depend on SNAP to put food on the table.”

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has now entered its second month, with Republicans and Democrats yet to reach an agreement to restore funding.