EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Lawmakers that represent El Paso its neighboring state are sharing their opinions after two federal judges ruled on Friday, Oct. 31, for President Donald Trump’s administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown.
The ruling follows a month of “back-and-forth” that began with the shutdown on Oct. 1. Initially, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to use emergency funds to continue aid during the shutdown. However, the Trump administration later said that wouldn’t be the case, according to KTSM’s parent station NEXSTAR.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, issued a statement regarding the ruling, describing the decision to stop funding for SNAP as “weaponized.”
“Today, two federal courts confirmed what we’ve been sounding the alarm about: the Trump administration has no legal grounds to deliberately withhold November SNAP benefits.
“Congress allocated this funding to keep families fed, and the administration has chosen to weaponize the hunger of millions of Americans for political gain.
“Donald Trump should immediately release that funding so that no family goes hungry. I will continue to keep El Pasoans informed and remain grateful to our community organizations and individuals who continue to support vulnerable residents during this challenging time.”
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also weighed in issuing a statement, noting that despite “zero confidence” in the administration to release SNAP benefits soon, her state will provide $30 million to families in need.
“Friday’s court rulings in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordering the release of contingency SNAP funds confirms what we already knew: There is no valid legal reason to deny food benefits to the most vulnerable Americans.”
“Because I have zero confidence in the Trump administration to release these SNAP funds by tomorrow, or even by early next week, New Mexico will keep its promise to deliver $30 million in state-funded benefits to those who qualify on Saturday. This ensures that New Mexicans will be able to keep food on their tables for the next 10 days, regardless of the federal government shutdown or Trump administration inaction. “
Eligible SNAP recipients will still receive state money for food benefits on their EBT cards starting tomorrow.
“Republicans in Congress are holding the most vulnerable Americans hostage during budget negotiations. This is reprehensible. While today’s court rulings bring some hope, they don’t erase the fear and uncertainty caused by this administration’s cruelty. Too many families in New Mexico and across the country have spent days wondering if they will be able to put food on the table — and even with today’s rulings, many could wait weeks before their SNAP benefits are restored, if the administration fully complies.”
“New Mexicans deserve better than uncertainty when it comes to feeding their families. My administration will continue doing everything we can to support New Mexicans and connect people with local food resources until the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress fulfill their responsibilities to the American people. “
According to the USDA’s website, there will be no benefits issued on Nov. 1.
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