A federal judge in Boston expressed skepticism regarding the Trump administration’s plan to suspend SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, suggesting the process involves finding an equitable way to reduce benefits. The judge indicated a preference for utilizing emergency funds to maintain the program, emphasizing that Congress’s intent was to prioritize funding. This hearing occurred as the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments, impacting approximately one in eight Americans who rely on the program. The court considered the arguments of 25 Democratic-led states, and a ruling was expected to apply nationwide, regardless of the Supreme Court’s limitations on nationwide injunctions.
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Senator Johnson argued that Democrats are playing games by not reopening the government, threatening paychecks and livelihoods. However, the article suggests a different perspective, stating that Republicans are the ones jeopardizing the well-being of 42 million Americans by holding SNAP benefits hostage to force the Democrats’ hand. Furthermore, despite Johnson’s claim that President Trump had done everything to mitigate the harm, the Trump administration reversed its own policy regarding SNAP contingency funds, adding to the program’s vulnerability during the government shutdown.
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Senate Democrats have accused Republicans of “weaponizing hunger” by blocking a standalone bill to fund SNAP, jeopardizing food assistance for 42 million Americans. Despite demands from Democrats, the Trump administration has not released billions in emergency SNAP funding, which is set to lapse on Saturday, potentially leaving people without food assistance. Republicans, led by Sen. Thune, argue that the focus should be on reopening the government rather than funding specific programs. Democrats are urging the White House to release the funds, with some calling on citizens to support local food banks.
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The Senate voted to end the global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration for a third time this week, with bipartisan support. The vote came shortly after Trump’s trade talks with China, where a new tariff rate was discussed. The measure is likely to stall in the House, but it demonstrates Republican pushback and exposes divisions within the party. Additionally, the Senate hearing for Trump’s nominee for surgeon general has been postponed due to the nominee going into labor.
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During the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration allocated nearly $10 million towards advertising campaigns, as revealed by a new report. These ads, analyzed by Equis and Priorities USA, targeted immigrants with messages urging self-deportation and encouraged Americans to join ICE. The spending, which included social media and TV campaigns, occurred while crucial government services faced funding freezes and federal workers experienced pay delays. DHS justified the expenditure, citing funds allocated for law enforcement recruitment, even as critics questioned the priorities during the ongoing government shutdown.
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Millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits face the potential loss of their food assistance due to the government shutdown, which is being caused by the Trump administration refusing to release legally appropriated funds. Despite the existence of a contingency fund specifically designed for such emergencies, the administration claims it is unable to use it, contradicting legal mandates. Experts argue this refusal is a clear violation of the law, which requires benefits to be furnished to all eligible households, and further assert that the administration has the authority to transfer funds from other nutrition programs to ensure benefits are paid. Attorneys general in numerous states are suing the administration over the issue, highlighting the unlawful and immoral nature of the situation.
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Dozens of States Sue Trump Administration Over Planned Food Stamp Cuts. This situation is really hitting hard, with the news that many states are taking legal action against the Trump administration over the proposed cuts to food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits. The fact that so many states, possibly even more than half, are banding together to fight this says a lot about the severity of the issue.
The optics are just striking, too. You have this administration, potentially at the same time, allocating resources for things like a lavish ballroom while, on the other hand, cutting back on programs that help feed families and children.… Continue reading
Speaker Mike Johnson stated that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds are not legally available to cover benefits during the government shutdown, citing a legal analysis from the Trump administration. The USDA, holding over $5 billion in the fund, also claims it will not use these funds if the shutdown extends beyond October 31, arguing that the funds are intended for unforeseen events, not politically motivated ones. Johnson places blame on Democrats, asserting that SNAP could be funded if they support the GOP proposal to reopen the government. This stance contradicts a previous USDA plan that indicated the department was legally obligated to pay SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
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A class-action lawsuit has been filed by New Yorkers receiving food stamps against the Trump administration in response to new work requirements taking effect soon. The plaintiffs allege the changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were implemented too quickly and will result in thousands losing monthly food aid. The lawsuit specifically challenges the USDA’s rescinding of state and local waivers, which previously exempted recipients from work requirements. The suit is concerned about the impact on recipients who rely on the benefits, which provide a critical lifeline for many in the city.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is poised to reveal $4 million in emergency funding for food shelves across Minnesota and Tribal nations. The funding is a direct response to the potential disruption of grocery benefits from SNAP and MFIP, impacting approximately 440,000 Minnesotans. The federal government shutdown has put these programs in jeopardy, with the USDA indicating that federal food aid may be halted on November 1st. The announcement follows the news that contingency funds for SNAP will not be utilized to maintain benefits, which aid about one in eight Americans with groceries.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood