BOISE, Idaho — Twenty-five Democratic-run states and Washington, D.C.,filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to stop what they call an "illegal" suspension of federal food assistance payments amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The coalition argues that the USDA has no authority to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, while refusing to use existing appropriations.

"The U.S. Department of Agriculture cannot simply suspend all benefits indefinitely, while refusing to spend funds from available appropriations for SNAP benefits for eligible households," the lawsuit claims.

At issue is whether the USDA can access contingency funds to continue SNAP payments beyond this weekend. Department officials say those funds are not available

See Full Page