WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court order that would have required the government to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, during a government shutdown.
The administration argued it should not be forced to spend more money than is currently available, while opponents claim the move could harm vulnerable Americans.
The legal challenge arose after the administration planned to distribute partial SNAP payments due to the ongoing government shutdown. A judge ruled that the government must use an emergency reserve fund to fully fund the program. The administration appealed, arguing that the judge’s order overstepped executive authority.
The Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily halt the order means the issue will now go back to the appeals court for further consideration. SNAP provides assistance to millions of Americans with lower incomes.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the administration’s position, stating that funding for the program must come from Congress. “We can’t just create money out of the sky,” she said. “You can’t just create money to fund a program that Congress refuses to fund.”
The White House has indicated it plans to focus on making life more affordable for Americans, including potential tax breaks and efforts to combat inflation.
