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The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended a temporary pause until Thursday night on a federal judge’s order requiring the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits for November. The program supports approximately 42 million Americans, providing crucial food assistance during a prolonged government shutdown that began on October 1.

The extension allows Congress additional time to pass a short-term funding bill that would reopen the federal government and restore normal SNAP payments. The stay was opposed by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who signaled her objection to the extension.

The Trump administration initially indicated it would not release any SNAP benefits during the shutdown but later proposed paying 65% of the benefits while legal and funding questions remain unresolved. In a filing to the Supreme Court, the administration argued that ongoing litigation could become moot if Congress approved the funding bill this week.

Legal Background and Court Decisions

Last Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell of Rhode Island ordered full payment of SNAP benefits, rejecting the administration’s partial payment plan. Judge McConnell instructed federal officials to utilize not only the $4.6 billion contingency fund but also approximately $4 billion from the Children’s Nutrition Program to cover the remaining costs.

A federal appeals court in Boston upheld Judge McConnell’s order, but a short-term stay was issued by Justice Jackson, temporarily blocking full benefits distribution. That stay was set to expire Tuesday night, but the Supreme Court extended it until 11:59 p.m. ET Thursday, pending consideration by the full court on a longer-term stay application.

Congressional Action and Potential Relief

Congress is moving to address the funding gap. The Senate-approved bill is expected to reach the House of Representatives for a vote Wednesday afternoon. President Trump has indicated he would sign the legislation, potentially restoring full SNAP payments once enacted.

If the bill passes and benefits are distributed, it could nullify ongoing lawsuits demanding uninterrupted SNAP funding during the shutdown. Until then, millions of Americans remain uncertain about how they will secure food for their families.

Reactions and Public Impact

New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office sued to compel full SNAP payments, expressed concern for those affected: “This decision means millions of Americans will once again be left wondering how they will feed their families. We hope to see an end to this suffering soon, as the government reopens and SNAP is once again fully funded.”

For now, New Yorkers who have already received their November SNAP benefits are advised to use them without fear, even as nationwide recipients await clarity on full distributions.

The Supreme Court’s extension highlights the tension between legal rulings, administrative policy, and congressional action, leaving vulnerable populations in limbo while federal authorities navigate a complex funding and judicial landscape.