NewKerala.com

Trump Administration's SNAP Funding Amid Record Government Shutdown Crisis

The Trump administration has announced partial funding for SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. This decision comes after federal judges questioned the legality of withholding food assistance from millions of Americans. The USDA will use $4.65 billion from contingency funds to cover about half of November's benefits. This move affects nearly 42 million low-income Americans who rely on the program for basic nutrition.

Key Points: Trump Administration Partially Funds SNAP During Government Shutdown

  • $4.65 billion contingency fund covers 50% of November SNAP benefits
  • Federal judges rule withholding SNAP benefits likely unlawful
  • Program serves 42 million Americans living in poverty
  • Government shutdown nears record length at 34 days
2 min read

Trump administration to partially fund SNAP benefits amid govt shutdown

Trump administration allocates $4.65 billion for partial SNAP benefits as government shutdown reaches 34 days, affecting millions of low-income Americans.

"I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. - Donald Trump"

Washington, Nov 4

The Trump administration announced that it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as the federal government shutdown entered its 34th day and neared a record for the longest in US history.

"I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible," US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Friday.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a court filing on Monday that a total of $4.65 billion in a contingency fund will be used for November SNAP benefits, which could cover 50 per cent of eligible households' current allotments, Xinhua news agency reported.

The decision came after a federal judge in Rhode Island on Friday ordered the department to use the contingency fund to pay recipients of SNAP.

Another federal judge in Massachusetts said in a separate case on Friday that the Trump administration's plan to withhold SNAP benefits starting November 1 amid the federal government shutdown was likely "unlawful," though the judge did not mandate that the administration release the funds.

The Trump administration previously claimed that it lacked legal authority to tap the 5 to 6 billion dollars in emergency funds to cover at least a portion of SNAP, which needs over 8 billion dollars to fund benefits for November.

SNAP is the nation's largest anti-hunger program serving nearly 42 million people. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is why strong social safety nets are crucial. We have our PDS system in India, and while it has issues, at least it provides basic food security. No government should play politics with people's hunger.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in both countries, I find it shocking that a developed nation like the US struggles with basic food security during political standoffs. Leadership should prioritize citizens' welfare above politics.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the partial funding, it's concerning that it took court orders and 34 days of shutdown to address this. Basic needs shouldn't be political bargaining chips. Hope they find a permanent solution soon.
V
Vikram M
This situation reminds me of how important our food security programs are in India. No matter the political differences, feeding people should always be the top priority. Good that courts intervened here.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the partial funding is better than nothing, it's disappointing that it took this long. 42 million people depending on this program deserve better from their government. The political blame game helps no one.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50