Supreme Court Extends Stay on Full SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown

The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended a temporary stay on a lower court's order requiring the Trump administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November. This extension, set to expire at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, allows Congress additional time to pass a short-term funding bill aimed at reopening the government and restoring full SNAP benefits.

The Trump administration had argued that the legal dispute over SNAP benefits would become moot once Congress approves the funding bill. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Senate-approved bill on Wednesday, and President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to sign it.

Previously, U.S. District Judge Jack McConnell ordered the administration to pay full SNAP benefits, rejecting a plan to provide only 65% of the aid. The administration appealed this decision, leading to the Supreme Court's involvement. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson objected to the extension of the stay but did not provide a written dissent.

New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed concern over the delay, stating, "This decision means millions of Americans will once again be left wondering how they will feed their families." She urged New Yorkers who have received their November SNAP benefits to use them without hesitation.

The ongoing legal and political developments continue to impact the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits for essential food assistance.