AdvertisementThe administration had argued that McConnell could not force the USDA to find money beyond a contingency fund in the “metaphorical couch cushions” to pay for full SNAP benefits while the shutdown continued. SNAP Benefits Cost $8.5-$9 Billion Per MonthSNAP benefits are paid monthly to eligible Americans whose income is less than 130% of the federal poverty line. The administration originally planned to suspend SNAP benefits altogether in November, citing a lack of funding because of the shutdown. AdvertisementThe USDA opted on November 3 to use only contingency funding, which would provide $4.65 billion to cover benefits. He ordered it to tap a $23.35 billion fund used for child nutrition programs to provide the $4 billion necessary to make up the difference.

Source: Huffington Post November 10, 2025 14:56 UTC