25 States Sue USDA to Restore Food Aid for 42 Million Amid Shutdown

During the 2025 U.S. government shutdown, Senate Republicans blocked legislation aimed at extending funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to millions of Americans, despite bipartisan support and urgent calls from Democrats. In response, 25 states, including Arizona, filed a lawsuit against the USDA accusing the Trump administration of illegally halting SNAP benefits, which affects 42 million people and disrupts local economies. The USDA had planned to stop funding SNAP benefits by November 1, despite earlier assurances that contingency funds would be used to maintain the program during shutdowns, a practice upheld in previous shutdowns. The Trump administration blamed Democrats for the shutdown and the resulting food aid suspension, while Democratic leaders accused the administration of using hunger as a political weapon. Meanwhile, some states like Vermont have allocated millions in emergency state funds to maintain food and heating assistance for their residents during the federal funding lapse. The standoff underscores the deep political divide over social safety net programs and the significant impact of federal funding disruptions on vulnerable populations.