The Trump administration gained’t faucet emergency funds to pay for federal meals advantages, imperiling advantages beginning Nov. 1 for almost 42 million People who depend on the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, in accordance with a memo obtained by POLITICO.
USDA stated within the memo that it gained’t faucet a contingency fund or different diet applications to cowl the price of the Supplemental Diet Help Program, which is about to expire of federal funds on the finish of the month.
The contingency fund for SNAP at present holds roughly $5 billion, which might not cowl the total $9 billion the administration would want to fund November advantages. Even when the administration did partially faucet these funds, it might take weeks to dole out the cash on a professional rata foundation — which means most low-income People would miss their November meals advantages anyway.
So as to make the deadline, the Trump administration would have wanted to start out getting ready for partial funds weeks in the past, which it has not accomplished.
Congressional Democrats and anti-hunger teams have urged the Trump administration to maintain SNAP advantages flowing into November, some even arguing that the federal authorities is legally required to faucet different funds to pay for this system. However senior officers have informed POLITICO that utilizing these different funds wouldn’t depart cash for future emergencies and different main meals support applications.
Administration officers count on Democratic governors and anti-hunger teams to sue over the choice to not faucet the contingency fund for SNAP, in accordance with two individuals granted anonymity to explain non-public views. The White Home is blaming Democrats for the lapse in funding on account of their repeated votes in opposition to a Home-passed stopgap funding invoice.
The Trump administration stepped in to shore up funding for key farm applications this week after additionally figuring out Pentagon funds to pay active-duty troops earlier within the month.
USDA stated within the memo, which was first reported by Axios, that it can not faucet the contingency fund as a result of it’s reserved for emergencies reminiscent of pure disasters. The division additionally argues that utilizing cash from different diet applications would harm different beneficiaries, reminiscent of moms and infants in addition to schoolchildren who’re eligible without cost lunches.
“This Administration won’t permit Democrats to jeopardize funding for varsity meals and toddler components as a way to delay their shutdown,” USDA wrote within the memo.
The highest Democrats on the Home Agriculture and Appropriations committees — Reps. Angie Craig of Minnesota and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, respectively — lambasted the dedication Friday, saying “Congress already supplied billions of {dollars} to fund SNAP in November.”
“It’s the Trump administration that’s taking meals help away from 42 million People subsequent month — together with hungry seniors, veterans, and households with youngsters,” they stated in an announcement. “That is maybe essentially the most merciless and illegal offense the Trump administration has perpetrated but — freezing funding already enacted into regulation to feed hungry People whereas he shovels tens of billions of {dollars} out the door to Argentina and into his ballroom.”
Congress might go a standalone invoice to fund SNAP for November, however that must get by way of the Senate early subsequent week and the Home would doubtless have to return to approve it. Johnson stated this week if the Senate passes a standalone SNAP patch, the Home would “handle” it.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated he would lean towards utilizing the emergency funds to assist preserve some meals advantages flowing. “I believe the President and GOP ought to do what we will to alleviate hurt accomplished by the Democrats,” he stated in a textual content message.
Bacon additionally stated he would help having the Home return to approve a standalone invoice ought to the Senate go one subsequent week: “I determine the Speaker would need to.”
Some states, together with Virginia and Hawaii, have began to faucet their very own emergency funds to supply some meals advantages within the absence of SNAP. Nevertheless it’s not clear how lengthy that support can final given states’ restricted budgets and typical reliance on federal assist to pay for anti-hunger applications. USDA, moreover, stated states can not count on to be reimbursed in the event that they cowl the price of holding advantages flowing.