Concealed Carry And Permits
DOJ says full SNAP payments were "unauthorized," as USDA directs states to "undo" them
DOJ says full SNAP payments were "unauthorized," as USDA directs states to "undo" them
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍United States
In a significant legal maneuver, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has asserted that states which engaged in distributing full benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were acting "unauthorized". This declaration came during a federal appeals court hearing on November 10, 2025, as the ongoing battle over food assistance payments continues amidst an unstable policy environment. The DOJs position could potentially impact over 40 million individuals relying on these critical monthly food benefits. The upheaval around SNAP payments stems from a series of conflicting directives from the Trump administration, placing many state officials in a precarious position as they navigate the complexities of federal compliance. Initially, a directive was issued to halt all SNAP payments for November, leading to widespread confusion. However, as lawsuits emerged challenging these actions, states began issuing full benefit payments, which were quickly dubbed unauthorized by federal authorities. As reported, the USDA directed states on November 9 to retract any full SNAP benefits issued previously, warning that failure to comply could lead to penalties, further complicating the already tumultuous situation. Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, emphasized in a communication to state agencies that only partial payments should be processed going forward, contrasting a previous communication from the USDA indicating that full payments could be dispensed. This disarray illustrates broader issues within the governance of federal assistance programs, showcasing the shortfalls in communication between the USDA and states regarding federal directives. Laura Myron, an attorney with the DOJ, pointedly asserted that Friday's actions were "unauthorized", signaling a tight legal leash on states' actions. This situation could pave the way for further litigation surrounding SNAP payments. Furthermore, this confusion reveals the fragility of federal assistance structures, particularly under a shifting political climate. The recent history has shown that as states maneuver to fulfill the needs of their residents, they can be sharply rebuked by the federal counterparts, as seen through the frequent back-and-forth communications from federal officials. The litigation surrounding SNAP payments is not only about immediate benefits but also about the political implications and accountability of government agencies in effectively managing essential services. Penn, whose political background includes a short stint in the Kansas House, faces scrutiny as state agencies respond to federal directives amid the ongoing legal battles. His involvement in legislation aimed at firearm safety education within Kansas reflects his broader political themes, which some critics argue take precedence over more pressing matters such as food security. The intertwining of political interests and federal responses to state actions complicates a situation that fundamentally affects millions of citizens. It remains unclear how this legal battle will unfold, particularly as courts weigh the legitimacy of the DOJ's arguments against the needs of states trying to serve their populations.