Summary
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to end on November 1, affecting 42 million people in the U.S. Democratic leaders blame President Trump's administration for this issue, claiming it is using hunger as a political tool. Legal action has been taken by 25 states and Washington D.C. against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging illegal withholding of funds.
Key Facts
- SNAP benefits will run out on November 1, affecting 42 million Americans.
- Democrats claim the Trump administration is deliberately withholding funds to leverage political negotiations.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats criticize the actions as illegal.
- A lawsuit was filed by 25 states and Washington D.C. against the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- The lawsuit contends that the USDA has $6 billion in contingency funds that are not being used.
- The USDA previously used funds during President Trump’s first term to keep SNAP running.
- The USDA's shutdown-funding plan, which mentioned possible fund use, has been removed from its website.
- The White House and USDA have not provided clear comments on the change in their funding stance.
