SNAP Update: Courts Order Release of Emergency Funds
Two federal judges on Friday, October 31, 2025, ordered the Trump administration to continue payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. Both rulings came within hours of one another in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds already appropriated by Congress to maintain benefits.
In Massachusetts, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani found the administration’s suspension of November SNAP benefits “contrary to law.” She ruled that the USDA had misinterpreted its statutory authority, emphasizing that the agency is mandated to draw from the contingency reserve when regular appropriations lapse. Talwani ordered the department to report by November 3 on whether it will authorize at least partial benefits for the month.
In Rhode Island, Chief U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued a temporary restraining order requiring the USDA to release funds “timely, or as soon as possible.” He cited “irreparable harm” to millions of low-income households if benefits ceased and pointed to both the SNAP contingency reserve and the USDA’s broader Section 32 fund as lawful sources for continued payments.
President Trump acknowledged the rulings on Truth Social, posting that he had directed government lawyers to seek court guidance on how to lawfully maintain SNAP payments during the shutdown. He accused congressional Democrats of prolonging the impasse by refusing to approve a clean spending bill.
The court actions provide a short-term fix but do not resolve longer-term funding questions. Both judges noted that Congress must ultimately pass appropriations to sustain SNAP beyond the emergency reserves now being used.
Court Documents (PDFs)
• U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts – Talwani Order (Oct 31 2025)
• U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island – McConnell Order (Oct 31 2025)
by Sack Head Shaun for The Loftus Party
Find out more at SHR Media and follow Shaun on X @2AgainstTyranny.
