(AURN News) — A federal judge in Boston signaled she may force the Trump administration to release billions in emergency food aid to Americans struggling under the ongoing government shutdown.
Judge Andrea Tani made clear she’s running out of patience with the administration’s refusal to tap a $5.3 billion contingency fund meant to keep food assistance flowing.
“Congress set aside this money for an emergency,” she said in court. “And I can’t see how this isn’t one.”
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by 25 states and the District of Columbia after the USDA told states to stop preparing November SNAP payments, cutting off support for roughly 42 million people who rely on the program.
Each month, the decision left states frozen and families bracing for empty cards come Nov. 1.
If she rules in favor of the states, the order could compel the government to unlock the funds — but even then, benefits would be delayed.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
