Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to keep SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding going during the ongoing government shutdown, according to the Associated Press. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also directed to use its $5 billion contingency fund to maintain benefits while the government remains closed.
The decision ensures that approximately 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP will continue receiving food assistance in November—avoiding what many feared would be a devastating cutoff.
The rulings followed the USDA’s earlier announcement that no federal SNAP benefits would be issued on November 1, 2025, due to the shutdown that began on October 1. While reloading recipients’ EBT cards may take one to two weeks, the funding lifeline is now legally protected.
Additionally, according to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump called on the Senate to scrap the filibuster so that the GOP can bypass Democrats and reopen the federal government. The filibuster is a long-standing tactic in the Senate to delay or block votes on legislation by keeping the debate running. It requires 60 votes in a full Senate to overcome a filibuster, giving Democrats a check on the 53-seat Republican majority. The government has been closed for 31 days.
WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE THE FEDERAL COURT RULING
According to NBC 6, Feeding South Florida also distributed groceries at Miami International Airport to help federal workers struggling to make ends meet.
In a recent Instagram video, Sen. Shevrin Jones called upon “nonprofit communities, churches, local leaders, neighbors, [and] food pantries” to mobilize and share resources ahead of the SNAP cutoff — reminding viewers that the crisis “should remind us of something bigger… because truth be told, hunger doesn’t care about your political party.”
He then informed his followers that the Senate Democrats sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, urging him to step in and ensure Floridians are fed.
“The federal workforce is the backbone of our public institutions,” U.S. Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick said in a press statement. “From protecting our borders to supporting our veterans, these hardworking men and women keep our communities safe and running. During this shutdown, many families are struggling, and it’s our responsibility to stand with them.”
The political standoff continues, with Democrats demanding negotiations on Affordable Care Act subsidies as a condition to reopen the government, while Republicans insist the government must first reopen before talks.
On October 23, Essence reported that the Senate failed to advance a Republican-backed measure, the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would have temporarily paid federal employees, military members, and contractors during the government shutdown. Introduced by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the bill fell 6 votes short of the 60 needed, passing 54–45. Three Democrats—John Fetterman (Pa.), Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock (Ga.)—crossed party lines to support the measure.
Republicans framed it as immediate relief for workers missing paychecks, while Democrats said it gave the president too much power over payouts. Meanwhile, the Senate has failed for the 12th time to pass the House-approved funding bill that would end the shutdown, with no new votes currently scheduled.
Resources for SNAP Recipients and Federal Workers
South Florida residents impacted by the SNAP delay and federal employee pay disruptions can access support from several local organizations:
United Way of Miami-Dade connects residents to food resources, financial assistance, and community programs.
Feeding South Florida provides free groceries and food boxes across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
AFGE Local 558 offers guidance and advocacy for federal workers navigating the shutdown.
Residents are still encouraged to reach out to their federal representatives to voice concerns. Contact information for congressional offices can be found via House.gov and Senate.gov.
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