This is a trifle weird even for the Trump administration. Yesterday two federal judges ordered that full, not partial, SNAP payments be disbursed today. But Trump won’t do it. Instead, today he asked an appeals court to immediately block an order that requires full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamp, benefits to be paid to states by today. The emergency request to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals calls the lower court’s order “unprecedented,” saying it makes “a mockery of the separation of powers.” Scholars are scratching their heads over this one. The Hill:
“This is a crisis, to be sure, but it is a crisis occasioned by congressional failure, and that can only be solved by congressional action,” the Justice Department wrote in its motion.
It asked for a ruling by Friday afternoon. The 1st Circuit ordered the cities and private organizations suing to respond in writing by noon ET.
One day earlier, U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled the administration’s plan to provide partial SNAP benefits for November during the shutdown wasn’t sufficient and it was obligated to tap other funds to dole out full payments.
It spurred the administration to begin appealing. It is taking the fast track in advance of McConnell’s Friday deadline for the federal government to get the full payments to states, which distribute the benefits to roughly 42 million recipients.
The administration has argued the shutdown effectively means there is no SNAP program, and its hands are tied until Congress passes a funding deal.
“Courts are charged with enforcing the law, but the law is explicit that SNAP benefits are subject to available appropriations,” the Justice Department’s new filing reads.
I think you’re spot on, Ursula. He may have misappropriated the emergency funds. Wouldn’t it be interesting if it went to Argentina?
trump and his regime are on the verge of collapse.
Denying food help to needy Americans won’t be forgotten by the voters. Using billions to lock up our immigrant work force who pick the food we eat, also won’t be forgotten by voters.
I think he just enjoys jerking people around and causing suffering that he can blame on the Democrats