"The administration must utilize contingency funds to sustain the program; SNAP provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans, including 1.8 million residing in New York City. In a 15-page order, Talwani wrote that SNAP benefits are mandatory under federal law and that Congress set aside $6 billion in multi-year contingency reserves available through 2026 to sustain operations if regular appropriations lapse. She said the law allows the department to reduce benefits if money runs short, but not to suspend them entirely."
"Talwani held that the plaintiffs, a majority coalition of 26 states, including New York, have standing to sue, citing potential fiscal and administrative harm that would result if SNAP benefits were terminated. She directed the USDA to tell the court by Monday, Nov. 3, whether it will authorize at least reduced benefits for November and to outline how it plans to fund them. The motion for a temporary restraining order remains under advisement while the USDA considers its options, the ruling notes."
A federal judge found the U.S. Department of Agriculture likely broke the law by suspending SNAP payments and ordered the agency to use contingency reserves to sustain benefits. SNAP serves more than 40 million Americans, including 1.8 million in New York City. Congress set aside $6 billion in multi-year contingency reserves through 2026 for lapses in appropriations. The judge ruled the department may reduce but not fully suspend benefits. A coalition of 26 states demonstrated standing, and the USDA was directed to report by Nov. 3 whether it will authorize at least reduced November benefits and how it will fund them.
Read at www.amny.com
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