Letters from an American November 9. 2025
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Nov 10, 2025 The discussion highlights the impacts of the government shutdown on vital programs like SNAP and the Affordable Care Act. Political maneuvering by House Republicans and the administration's tactics in withholding SNAP funds are scrutinized. A court's order mandates the use of reserve funds for SNAP, while states face confusion over distributions. The podcast also touches on potential travel disruptions due to FAA cuts and Trump's lavish weekend amidst national hardship. Legal challenges and emerging negotiations for a shutdown resolution add to the intrigue.
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SNAP Funding Withheld As Political Leverage
- The Trump administration refused to tap SNAP emergency reserves to pressure Democrats over a continuing resolution.
- Courts ordered funding, exposing that the administration could have paid benefits without judicial direction.
Judge Orders SNAP Payments, Administration Appeals
- Judge John McConnell ordered partial SNAP funding and suggested using nutrition reserves to cover benefits.
- The administration appealed and sought stays, delaying payments despite the judge's order.
Supreme Court Stay Briefly Blocks SNAP Relief
- Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued an administrative stay after the administration asked the Supreme Court to pause the lower-court order.
- Her stay temporarily blocked payments while the First Circuit considered the appeal.