The Supreme Court has granted a temporary extension until Thursday night for a stay in a federal ruling requiring full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. This decision comes amid a government shutdown that has persisted since October 1, leaving 42 million Americans reliant on food assistance in a state of uncertainty. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed objections to the two-day extension, which aims to provide Congress with the opportunity to pass a short-term funding bill.
The Trump administration had argued in its Supreme Court filing that the ongoing legal dispute over SNAP benefits could soon be resolved if Congress passes the funding bill. If approved, the bill would allow SNAP benefits to resume as normal, potentially nullifying legal actions demanding the continuation of benefits during the shutdown.
The House of Representatives is set to begin voting on the Senate-approved funding bill on Wednesday afternoon, with President Trump signaling his intention to sign it. Meanwhile, U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell of Rhode Island ordered last Thursday that the administration must disburse full SNAP benefits, rejecting a plan to offer just 65% of the aid. The initial proposal aimed to withhold all benefits for November, despite the availability of $4.6 billion from a contingency fund.
Judge McConnell’s ruling mandated that federal officials utilize both the contingency fund and resources from the Children’s Nutrition Program to cover full benefits, a directive that the administration had previously ignored. A federal appeals court in Boston upheld McConnell’s order but allowed a short-term stay, which Justice Jackson had imposed to prevent immediate enforcement of the ruling until further consideration.
The Supreme Court’s order on Tuesday indicated that the administration’s request for a longer-term stay of Judge McConnell’s ruling is currently under review by the full court. This stay will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, thereby extending the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits. Jackson, in her dissent regarding the stay extension, did not provide a written explanation of her objections.
In response to the situation, New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose state has been involved in separate legal efforts to guarantee full SNAP payments during the shutdown, expressed her dismay. “This decision means millions of Americans will once again be left wondering how they will feed their families,” she stated. James emphasized the importance of swiftly resolving the issue, wishing for a comprehensive reopening of the government to restore full SNAP funding. She reassured recipients in New York that those who have already received their November benefits should feel confident in utilizing them.
As the clock ticks down toward Thursday’s deadline, the fate of SNAP benefits hangs in the balance, spotlighting the ongoing challenges millions face during the federal shutdown. With potential resolutions approaching, observers await the Congressional vote and the implications for families relying on these vital food assistance programs.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/11/snap-supreme-court-trump-government-shutdown.html
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Publish Date: 2025-11-12 05:24:00
