PP Language Lessons
HardBusinessOctober 28, 2025

States Challenge USDA Over SNAP Payments During Shutdown

EasyMediumHard

Key Vocabulary

arbitrary

Not based on clear rules; chosen at random or without fair reason.
Example: The lawsuit calls the decision arbitrary.

capricious

Changing suddenly without reason; unpredictable in a way that may be unfair.
Example: The court will consider whether the action was capricious.

appropriation

A sum of money set aside by a government for a specific use.
Example: Congress made appropriations for contingency funds.

contingency funds

Reserve money held for emergencies or unexpected shortfalls.
Example: Contingency funds exist to keep SNAP running during gaps.

temporary restraining order

A court order that temporarily stops an action until a hearing can occur.
Example: The lawyers asked for a temporary restraining order.

📖 Article

On October 28, 2025, a coalition of state attorneys general and three governors, which was co-led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed an emergency lawsuit in federal court challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to halt SNAP payments. The complaint names Secretary Brooke Rollins and the USDA, and it alleges that the agency has refused to apply contingency or emergency funds that were appropriated to cover benefits during funding gaps. The USDA issued a memo on October 24 that said it would not use those contingency resources for November payments, a move the plaintiffs describe as unlawful.

The lawsuit argues that the suspension is arbitrary and capricious and that it violates the Food and Nutrition Act, which requires that assistance be furnished to eligible households. While the federal government funds SNAP benefits and states administer the program, plaintiffs say the agency has discretion to deploy contingency funds and has used emergency money for other programs during the same shutdown. The coalition is therefore seeking immediate relief to prevent a lapse that would affect millions.

More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP, and the complaint notes that the federal fiscal year began without an appropriation on October 1, 2025. Lawyers for the states have asked a judge for a temporary restraining order to restore payments before November 1, when many participants would otherwise miss their benefits. State officials warned that children, seniors, and veterans would be particularly harmed, and that local grocers and food banks would face economic strain.

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❓ Quiz

Q1. Who co-led the coalition that filed the lawsuit?
Q2. Who is named as the USDA Secretary in the complaint?
Q3. When did the federal fiscal year begin without an appropriation?

💬 Discussion

1.

Do you worry about how a pause in public assistance could affect families you know? How?

2.

Have you or someone you know relied on government or local support for food? What was that experience like?

3.

What do you think people in your community could do to help neighbors if assistance is delayed?

4.

Would you participate in a community food drive if benefits were paused? Why or why not?

5.

How do you feel when you hear that large numbers of people might have less food next month?