McGovern Statement on Federal Court Order Directing USDA to Use SNAP Contingency Funds

WORCESTER, MA-Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee Jim McGovern (D-MA) released the following statement in response to rulings from U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of Massachusetts and U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ordering the Trump administration to follow the law and send out food assistance to families in need:

"In a pair of rulings today, the courts confirmed what we already knew: The Trump administration has the legal authority, moral obligation, and financial ability to make sure food assistance goes out next month. I couldn't tell you why Donald Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins wanted so badly to withhold help from seniors, kids, and veterans just before the holidays-it's a nasty, rotten thing to do. I guess they thought they could create political leverage by inflicting pain on people. Clearly, they don't care about the rising cost of groceries or the impact the tariffs are having on everyday people at the supermarket. But now, the courts have now told them to stop playing games and get these benefits out.

"I'm grateful to Attorney General Andrea Campbell and the people of Massachusetts for leading 26 states in suing this administration and serving as a check on Trump's lawless and cruel disregard for the 42 million Americans-many who voted for him-who desperately need to know if they will have enough money to put food on the table next month.

"Secretary Rollins already knew this day would come-because 214 Democrats wrote to her just last week, and we made explicitly clear that she had the discretion and responsibility to make sure that people don't go hungry. She ignored our letter. But we will not let her ignore the law."