Treasury Secretary Unclear on Use of Emergency Funds to Restore SNAP Benefits

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits “could be” restored by Wednesday, as ordered by a federal judge. However, he declined to say whether President Donald Trump will tap emergency funds to meet that deadline.

Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper, Bessent said the administration is still determining “what the process is” to ensure the payments are made. The statement comes as millions of low-income Americans await clarity on when their November food aid will arrive.

Court Orders SNAP Payments Despite Shutdown

Two federal judges — one in Massachusetts and another in Rhode Island — ruled last week that the administration must use $5.25 billion in contingency funds to make at least partial payments for SNAP as the government shutdown continues. The courts also noted that the administration has discretion to draw from other funding sources to issue full benefits.

Bessent confirmed that the Trump administration will not appeal the court’s ruling, but he stopped short of explaining whether the Treasury will access discretionary or emergency funds to restore benefits in full.

A Shutdown Nearing Record Length

The shutdown, now entering its 33rd day, is the second-longest in U.S. history, just behind the 35-day closure that occurred between December 2018 and January 2019 — also under Trump’s first term. If the current stalemate continues past Election Day, November 4, it will set a new record.

Millions of Families Waiting

The uncertainty over SNAP payments has sparked anxiety among millions of families who depend on the program for daily groceries. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has contingency funds available, distribution logistics and legal clearance remain in flux.

Meanwhile, Social Security payments — including retirement, disability, and SSI benefits — are continuing as usual, since those programs are funded through mandatory spending and not affected by the lapse in congressional appropriations.

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