WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – Millions of American families may soon see relief as federal officials work to resume food assistance payments halted by the ongoing government shutdown.
Two federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled on October 31 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must use $5.25 billion in contingency funds to issue at least partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for November.
The program’s funding had been in jeopardy as the shutdown stretched into a new week.
Both courts also noted that the Trump administration has the discretion to use other available funds to fully cover November benefits and ordered federal officials to provide an update on their plans within days.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that President Donald Trump is seeking guidance from the courts “about how to legally move money around to fund SNAP payments.”
During an interview on CNN’s State of the Union, Bessent added that the aid “could flow by Wednesday.”
Bessent also confirmed the administration will not appeal the rulings, raising hopes that millions of families could begin receiving their long-awaited food benefits as early as midweek.
