• The US Supreme Court has temporarily stayed orders requiring full SNAP payments during the government shutdown.
• Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, emphasizing the urgent need for food assistance.
• Congress is working on a funding package to reopen the government, which may ultimately resolve the issue.
• About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, with many struggling without benefits during this period.
• Lower courts had previously ordered the government to use contingency funds to cover payments.

The US Supreme Court has extended its block on requiring the Trump administration to make full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, as the government shutdown continues. This temporary pause allows Congress additional time to negotiate a funding agreement to potentially end the standoff, impacting around 42 million Americans who depend on these benefits for food assistance, according to The Hill and India Times.

The Supreme Court's decision came after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who typically handles emergency matters for the 1st Circuit, initially paused a district court's order for full SNAP funding slated to be distributed by the end of November. Jackson expressed dissent towards the court's majority ruling to extend the pause, highlighting the urgency of ensuring food assistance for the millions affected during the shutdown, as reported by Le Monde and India Times.

The ongoing government shutdown, triggered by Congress's failure to pass a funding bill by September 30, has begun to severely impact welfare programs, with many Americans struggling to access necessary aid. The Senate recently passed a bill aimed at funding the government through January, but it must still go through the House of Representatives, which is set to debate it shortly. This legislative progress, if approved, could lead to resolution of the SNAP payment issue, alleviating the burden on millions of families, according to The Hill and Le Monde.