With benefits expected to run out Saturday because of the government shutdown, Democratic leaders of 25 states allege the USDA is required to keep providing funds.

With benefits expected to run out Saturday because of the government shutdown, Democratic leaders of 25 states allege the USDA is required to keep providing funds.

Democratic leaders from 25 states are suing the Agriculture Department over the looming suspension of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. Benefits are expected to run dry across the country this weekend because of the ongoing government shutdown.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Massachusetts district court, argues that the USDA is legally required to continue providing SNAP benefits during the shutdown as long as it has funding. It calls on the court to compel the USDA to use contingency funds appropriated by Congress to keep the program running.

Up to 42 million people rely on SNAP food assistance, and recipients would ordinarily see their EBT cards get reloaded on Nov. 1. But the USDA website states that the agency will not allocate more funding while the shutdown persists — an unprecedented situation that could cause widespread hunger across the country.

  • darkdemize@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    3 days ago

    While I understand what’s at stake for those with food insecurity, this would also remove the looming sense of urgency needed for Congress to unfuck itself.