Bessent says SNAP payments "could be" made this week

Treasury Secretary Bessent indicated food assistance payouts could be approved by Wednesday following court orders to use emergency funds to maintain aid during the shutdown. Despite potential compliance, the timeline for millions of families to actually receive SNAP benefits remains unclear. Any assistance provided would only be a temporary solution amidst the ongoing government shutdown. A federal judge presented the administration with options for full payments by Monday or partial payments by Wednesday. Bessent claimed payments "could be" made by Wednesday, citing Trump's request for legal clarification on SNAP funding as justification. The judge responded to Trump's query with a legal directive, allowing leeway in tapping into additional funds for full payment. Over 40 million Americans were at risk of losing November payments due to the Agriculture Department's initial stance. Food bank leaders and Democrats raised concerns about weaponizing hunger, criticizing the administration's actions. Another judge ruled against the USDA's argument, clarifying that contingency funds must be used for SNAP. The contingency funds would not cover the full monthly cost, raising concerns about long-term funding.