Capitol News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel responded to the Supreme Court's decision to grant the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) request to suspend a lower court order that required full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The decision comes after several actions by the Trump administration regarding SNAP benefits.

"It is despicable the lengths the Trump Administration will go to to block food assistance for 42 million Americans, including families, seniors, veterans and active military,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Thanks to the quick actions from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, some Michiganders were able to receive their benefits this week, but access to food is not a legal game. I will not be deterred despite the President’s continued maneuverings and will continue to fight until every qualified resident receives the benefits they rightfully deserve.”

Nessel outlined four recent decisions by the Trump administration that led up to the Supreme Court's ruling. On October 24, SNAP funding for November was stopped despite available funds. On November 3, only partial benefits were funded even though a Rhode Island District Court order indicated how full funding could be provided. On November 6, an appeal was made for an immediate stay of that order from the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Finally, on November 7, when that court did not stop the Rhode Island decision immediately, an appeal was made directly to the Supreme Court.

“These choices by this administration put Americans last and literally takes the food off of American dinner tables,” Nessel continued. “These choices unnecessarily force our family, friends and neighbors to prioritize between necessities like buying groceries or filling prescriptions. I implore the Trump Administration to stand down and ensure that Americans are fed throughout this protracted shutdown.”

After a Rhode Island court order last night, over 200,000 Michigan households received SNAP benefits earlier than usual through action by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. However, with tonight’s Supreme Court decision, future full benefits distribution is now on hold indefinitely.

Attorney General Nessel has joined a coalition representing 25 states and Washington D.C. in a related lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court. In that case, a judge ordered federal authorities to use all available contingency funds for SNAP. The coalition has asked for further action compelling use of other funds due to delays caused by only partial program funding.