(AURN News) – The Trump administration is facing growing backlash after announcing it will only partially fund November’s SNAP benefits, providing just half of the usual aid to millions of low-income Americans. SNAP – the nation’s largest food assistance program – supports 42 million people, but due to the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture had initially planned to freeze payments altogether.
After two court rulings ordered the administration to continue funding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed to use contingency funds to cover part of the benefits for this month. However, many are outraged that full benefits will not be provided.
The Congressional Black Caucus and advocacy groups like Democracy Forward argue the Trump administration has the legal authority to fully fund the program but is choosing not to, despite available funds.Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, criticized the move, saying partial funding is not enough to keep food on the tables of American families.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
