As the government shutdown drags on, millions of Americans who rely on food stamps are wondering how they’ll feed their families. The Trump administration now plans to send partial SNAP payments this month after a federal judge ordered the administration to do so, a temporary measure for approximately 42 million Americans.
However, officials admit that many families could receive only half of their normal benefits, with no clear date for when those payments will arrive.
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SNAP benefit funding
The White House argues it cannot legally tap other accounts to cover full payments, a move courts have already questioned.
The USDA says it’s using about $5.5 billion in contingency funds, enough to cover only half of November benefits. However, it won’t tap a separate $23 billion school lunch account that Democrats had urged it to use.
The decision sparked debate in the Senate Monday night over how much help low-income Americans should receive as the shutdown enters its sixth week.
“Food deprivation is not a correct strategy for any government in the United States of America. Trump’s Make America Hungry Again agenda is wrong. It is immoral,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.
Republicans shot back, accusing Democrats of politicizing hunger and holding up the budget deal that would reopen the government.
“This isn’t lawmaking. This is a political stunt by the Democrats. The resolution they’re offering is empty. It is meaningless. Democrats shut down this government. Democrats have voted against reopening the government 13 times. Democrats are holding food assistance for 42 million Americans hostage,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.
When benefits could arrive
The USDA says it’s moving as fast as possible to issue those partial payments. However, anti-hunger groups warn the decision could leave some families without enough to eat and states without funds for new applicants or emergency aid.
It’s unclear when those payments will arrive. States will have to recalibrate their systems, and the administration warns it could take weeks or even months in some places.
