Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that about $5 billion in emergency funds cannot be legally used to pay for SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. President Trump’s administration faces pressure to continue food assistance, but legal restrictions bar using these funds, meant for emergencies like natural disasters. Johnson said the solution depends on Democrats ending the shutdown.
Key Facts
- House Speaker Mike Johnson stated $5 billion in contingency funds cannot be used for SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
- SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid to eligible Americans.
- The Trump administration is under pressure to ensure food aid continues amid the ongoing government shutdown.
- A legal review showed that the funds are not legally available for regular SNAP benefits.
- The funds are reserved for emergencies, such as natural disasters, according to a Department of Agriculture memo.
- Johnson attributed the delay in SNAP benefits to Democrats and urged them to end the shutdown.
