Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: HALF of US states have sued the Trump administration over its plans to halt funding for food aid used by more than 40 million low-income Americans.
The states hope to force the administration to use a roughly $6bn (£4.5bn) emergency contingency fund for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), also known as food stamps.
The US Department of Agriculture (Usda), which oversees Snap, has said it would not use it and allow funds to run dry in November, arguing the money may be needed for emergencies, such as natural disasters, says a BBC report.
Republicans and Democrats have traded blame for the ongoing federal shutdown and there has not been any meaningful progress toward a deal.
The suit, led by Democratic attorneys generals in 25 states and the District of Columbia, argues the administration not using the contingency funds would be unlawful and deprive millions of Americans from being able to afford groceries.
They note it would mark the first time in the programme’s history the funds would not be dolled out. “Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being,” the lawsuit reads.
“The loss of SNAP benefits leads to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition, which are associated with numerous negative health outcomes in children, such as poor concentration, decreased cognitive function, fatigue, depression, and behavioral problems.” States involved in the lawsuit include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
