New York Attorney General Sues USDA Over SNAP Benefit Suspension During Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights -

New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with 24 other state leaders and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The coalition argues that the administration's refusal to issue November SNAP payments to over 40 million Americans, including nearly three million New Yorkers, violates federal law and could leave countless families hungry. The lawsuit seeks to ensure the USDA uses its existing contingency funds to maintain life-saving food assistance benefits through the shutdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit, filed by 24 state leaders and the District of Columbia, argues that the USDA's decision to suspend SNAP benefits during the government shutdown is unlawful and could leave over 40 million Americans without food assistance.
  • The coalition asserts that the USDA has access to billions of dollars in contingency funds that Congress specifically appropriated to keep benefits flowing during funding lapses.
  • SNAP is the nation's largest anti-hunger program, providing critical assistance to low-income households to help them buy groceries and put food on the table.
  • Children and seniors make up nearly 60% of all SNAP recipients, with over one million veterans receiving SNAP benefits each year.
  • In New York alone, SNAP serves nearly three million people, including nearly one million children and over 600,000 older adults.
  • Approximately 7% of New York SNAP recipients are disabled, and they received approximately $650 million in SNAP benefits each month last year.
  • The lawsuit seeks to ensure the USDA uses its existing contingency funds to maintain life-saving food assistance benefits through the shutdown.
  • The coalition argues that the administration's decision to suspend SNAP benefits is a clear violation of the Food and Nutrition Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.

Statistics:

  • 42 million Americans depend on SNAP to buy groceries and put food on the table.
  • Over 40 million Americans, including nearly three million New Yorkers, will be affected by the suspension of SNAP benefits.
  • SNAP serves nearly three million people in New York, including nearly one million children and over 600,000 older adults.
  • 7% of New York SNAP recipients are disabled.
  • The USDA has access to at least $6 billion in contingency funds appropriated by Congress for maintaining SNAP benefits during funding lapses.
  • Approximately $650 million in SNAP benefits is distributed to New Yorkers each month.
  • The Food and Nutrition Act requires that assistance under the program be furnished to all eligible households.

Sources:

  • Press release from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James (no date)
  • Letter from 22 attorneys general to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins (no date)