The Excerpt How SNAP became a political pawn in the government shutdown
Nov 4, 2025
In a revealing conversation, Sarah D. Wire, a Senior National Reporter at USA TODAY specializing in national policy and politics, discusses the urgent challenges facing SNAP during the government shutdown. She explains how states are scrambling to maintain benefits amid new work requirements, the legal rulings restoring funding, and the overwhelming demand on food banks. Sarah also shares personal stories of recipients grappling with the realities of reliance on SNAP, painting a vivid picture of its crucial yet precarious role in Americans' lives.
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Courts Force SNAP Funding Move
- Judges ruled the federal government must provide SNAP benefits and gave the administration days to present funding plans.
- Courts said the administration can move tariff money to fund benefits despite prior administration claims of lacking authority.
Contingency Funds Won’t Last Long
- USDA contingency held just under $6 billion but the administration planned to spend about $5 billion.
- SNAP needs roughly $9 billion monthly, so contingency funds would run out by December if shutdown persists.
SNAP As Political Leverage
- SNAP had historically been protected during shutdowns, but this administration used it as leverage.
- Politicians on both sides view withholding benefits as a negotiation tactic to end the shutdown.