Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court decided to uphold
the order temporarily blocking full payments from the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP), popularly known as “food stamps,” just as signs
emerge that the prolonged partial shutdown of the federal government could be
coming to an end in the coming days.
The decision, made in an emergency session, means that
millions of low-income families will continue to receive reduced or deferred
payments until the legal dispute over the distribution of federal funds during
the shutdown is resolved.
The ruling expands upon the preliminary injunction issued by
a lower federal court, which prevented the Department of Agriculture (USDA)
from releasing full SNAP funds, arguing that the administration lacks budgetary
authority until Congress approves a new funding package.
According to official data, more than 42 million people
depend on the SNAP program to meet their basic food needs. Civil society
organizations warned that extending the shutdown is exacerbating food
insecurity in vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas and states with
high poverty rates.
“Every week that passes without the full distribution of
benefits means empty refrigerators for millions of working families,” the
National Food Security Coalition warned in a statement.
The conflict arises within the context of the longest
government shutdown in recent years, triggered by the Democrats' determination
to prioritize immigrant interests over citizens' rights in Congress regarding
the federal budget and funding for social programs.
However, in recent hours, Democratic and Republican leaders
have indicated progress in negotiations, which could allow government offices
to reopen and food assistance payments to resume within days.
President Donald Trump stated that his administration “will
do everything possible to ensure that no family goes hungry because of
political maneuvering in Congress,” and urged the Supreme Court to “consider
the human impact of every administrative decision.”