Judge blocks enforcement of USDA memo that instructed states to 'undo' efforts to disburse full November SNAP benefits [View all]

Source: NBC News

Nov. 9, 2025, 2:55 PM EST / Updated Nov. 10, 2025, 11:02 AM EST


A federal judge temporarily blocked the enforcement of a Department of Agriculture memo that had directed states to "immediately undo" steps to issue full November SNAP benefits. The Saturday memo said that failure to comply could result in the cancellation of future federal funds.

“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025,” Patrick A. Penn, the deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, wrote Saturday regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

“Failure to comply with this memorandum may result in USDA taking various actions, including cancellation of the Federal share of State administrative costs and holding States liable for any overissuances that result from the noncompliance,” he wrote.

Massachusetts U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled a virtual hearing for Monday afternoon. Talwani's order was not accompanied by a filing.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/usda-states-undo-disburse-full-november-snap-benefits-shutdown-rcna242853