BREAKING: Two federal judges issue rulings on SNAP benefits, Democrat senators celebrate

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From Fox News: A federal judge on Friday ordered the Trump administration to continue to fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown, delivering near-term relief to roughly 42 million Americans who received the aid just hours before the funding was slated to dry up.

The emergency order from U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said the Trump administration must resume SNAP benefits, which were slated to expire Nov. 1, ruling that plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit are likely to succeed on their claims that the suspension of the benefits is unlawful. She ordered the government to provide the court no later than Monday, Nov. 3, with additional details on how it plans to keep the program funded, and whether the appropriated benefits must be distributed in full or in part.

Moments later, a separate federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to continue paying for food stamps during the shutdown.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell said the administration must tap its emergency funds to pay for the SNAP benefits “as soon as possible” next month. He issued the emergency order from the bench Friday during an emergency court hearing in Providence.

Multiple Democrat senators, who have voted “NO” 14 times on a continuing resolution to fund the government, are cheering the judges’ rulings.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has led the effort to refuse to reopen the government, gloated, “Good. Trump’s decision to cut off SNAP was vindictive and heartless. He was trying to manufacture a hunger crisis so he wouldn’t have to fix healthcare. No president in American history has cut off SNAP during a shutdown, including Trump during his own first term.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), wrote, “GOOD NEWS: A judge ruled the administration is required by law to use emergency funding to provide food assistance to families in need. Trump has no excuse to withhold food assistance. If the admin does not issue SNAP, it is purely a cruel political decision, not a legal one,” she touted.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), also celebrated, writing, “A judge has ruled that Trump & Vance must continue to fund SNAP and stop illegally withholding resources from American families. Trump’s weaponization of food must stop NOW.”

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) cheered, “BREAKING: A federal Judge affirms what we’ve said all along. Trump ABSOLUTELY can keep SNAP running. That’s what the contingency fund is for! If families go hungry, it’s because Trump chose to ignore the law to cut off SNAP for political leverage.”

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) wrote, “BREAKING NEWS: Trump went to court to defend cutting off SNAP assistance for 42 million Americans. A federal judge just blocked him. The President must release SNAP benefits and stop playing politics while families go hungry.”

Sen. Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.) cheered, “BREAKING NEWS: A federal judge just ruled that Trump MUST pay SNAP benefits tomorrow. No ifs, ands, or buts!”

ABOUT THE JUDGES:

Indira Talwani, 65, is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She was nominated by president Barack Obama in September 2013, and confirmed by the Senate in a 94-0 vote in May 2014.

John James McConnell Jr., 67, is the chief United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. he was nominated by president Barack Obama in March 2010, and confirmed by the Senate in a 50-44 vote in May 2011.

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