Emergency reserves sit untouched while millions await clarity on assistance.
The Trump administration has told a federal judge that it lacks the authority to spend billions of dollars in reserve funds to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program operating through the ongoing government shutdown. According to officials, roughly $5 billion remains available in a USDA contingency account, but legal restrictions prevent its use for routine SNAP payments, which would require about $9 billion to cover the next cycle. The decision has sparked concern that tens of millions could lose access to food support within days.
Legal Clash Over Emergency Spending
A coalition of more than twenty states has taken the issue to court, demanding that the federal government use its reserves to prevent benefit interruptions. During hearings, state attorneys accused the administration of failing to protect vulnerable families, while Justice Department lawyers maintained that diverting the money would violate federal spending laws. Judges have pressed officials for clarification on why the funds cannot be released, with one describing the stance as “difficult to justify” amid rising food insecurity.
Uncertainty for Millions of Families
If no resolution is reached soon, more than 40 million Americans could see their SNAP payments halted starting November 1. State agencies are exploring temporary fixes but warn they have limited resources. Charities and food banks are bracing for a surge in demand if the shutdown persists. Advocacy groups have condemned the administration’s inaction, saying the unused reserves show the crisis is not about money, but about priorities.
