Trump seeks clarification on legal authority to continue funding SNAP benefits
The Democrat-imposed government shutdown has had serious consequences for many Americans, including those who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for food.
While the program ran out of money late last week, President Donald Trump issued an order aimed at ending the crisis.
Dispute over legal authority to use contingency funds
"Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do," Breitbart quoted Trump as writing in a post to his Truth Social platform.
Trump was referring to $5 billion worth of contingency funds held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While Democrats have demanded that the cash be used to help cover SNAP benefits, a USDA memo argues that doing so is legally prohibited.
"SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits," it states.
"SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits," the memo adds.
As MassLive noted, two New England-based federal judges have instructed the Trump administration to make use of the contingency funds to at least partially cover SNAP benefits.
Trump instructs lawyers to seek clarification
"I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT," Trump declared.
"Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible," the president continued.
"It is already delayed enough due to the Democrats keeping the Government closed through the monthly payment date and, even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out," he stressed.
"If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay," Trump insisted.
President tells SNAP user to call Chuck Schumer
The president then reiterated his demand that Senate Democrats end the shutdown by voting to fund government services with a continuing resolution.
What's more, Trump called on those who have lost their benefits to personally lobby Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
"If you use SNAP benefits, call the Senate Democrats, and tell them to reopen the Government, NOW! Here is Cryin’ Chuck Schumer’s Office Number: (202) 224-6542," he concluded.
