Two federal judges order Trump regime to continue funding SNAP

Axios -  Two federal judges today ordered the Trump administration to continue funding SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. In separate cases, the judges said the USDA must tap contingency funds to keep benefits available, at least temporarily. Payments were set to freeze beginning tomorrow.

The rulings could provide some support and reassurance to the millions of families who rely on food stamps — and, in the process, make it easier for Democrats to keep holding out rather than quickly voting to end the shutdown.

• But if the Justice Department can successfully appeal those orders — as it has with any number of other court orders — the stop-start-stop of critical benefits could create significant confusion for low-income Americans.

The USDA had said it could not legally tap a $5 billion contingency fund to pay for SNAP benefits. Not only can it do so — it's required to, Judge Indira Talwani said in the Massachusetts c ase.

 Several states — including California, New York and Virginia — have either declared emergencies or otherwise redirected funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing, at least temporarily, More 

TheBlaze  - According to the USDA, almost 90% of SNAP recipients are born in the US, and another 6% are naturalized citizens.