BOSTON – The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to step in after a judge ordered the full distribution of November’s SNAP benefits. This request comes even though some states claim they are already working to get the money to those who need it.
A lower court judge instructed the administration to make the payments through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The administration argues that the court is overstepping its boundaries. They asked the appeals court to halt any orders that would require spending more money than is currently available.
The administration has expressed concerns about the court’s role in dictating how funds should be allocated, citing the Constitution. They maintain that it is Congress’s job to decide how to fund the program, not the courts.
Meanwhile, some states say they are prepared to distribute the funds quickly as possible, once the money comes.
The legal battle adds to the uncertainty for the SNAP program, which helps many Americans. The back and forth raises questions about the balance of power between the different branches of government and who ultimately decides how taxpayer money is spent. The administration has stated that Congress needs to appropriate funds for the program.
