Rep. Sykes Applauds Dual Court Rulings in SNAP Cases and Presses Ohio Leadership on Joining Multi-State Action

Rep. Sykes Applauds Dual Court Rulings in SNAP Cases and Presses Ohio Leadership on Joining Multi-State Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement in response to two federal court rulings regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown:

"Today's court decision and memorandum are a welcome victory for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families," said Rep. Sykes. "Statements from both of these judges make clear that there is both a lawful and moral path to continue food assistance during the shutdown. Ohioans cannot afford any delay in benefits, and our state leaders should act quickly to ensure families here are not left behind while the Trump administration disperses these funds nationwide."

The decision granting temporary, nationwide relief for SNAP beneficiaries followed a lawsuit brought by several municipalities and community-based organizations, which successfully argued that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cannot suspend food assistance during a shutdown because it has access to contingency funds.

A separate lawsuit, brought by 25 Democratic-led states and Washington D.C., also resulted in a judge indicating that relief is likely and issuing a memorandum to the Trump administration stating that denying benefits is unlawful. However, any relief granted in this case would not impact Ohioans, since Ohio has not joined the suit. Rep. Sykes and members of the Ohio Democratic Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost requesting information on his lack of action to protect SNAP benefits for Ohioans. The letter highlights the urgent need for action to prevent hunger among the nearly 1.5 million Ohioans who rely on SNAP benefits each month. As litigation on this issue continues, it is critical that Ohioans are represented in court and can access relief under all of these rulings.

Governor Mike DeWine recently announced $25 million in state food assistance, including $7 million for regional food banks and $18 million in emergency relief for more than 63,000 low-income Ohioans. While this support is welcome, it represents only a fraction of the need. Sustained federal action is essential to ensure that Ohio families continue to receive full SNAP benefits.

Rep. Sykes continues to advocate for passage of her Feed Our Families Act and calls on House Republicans to return to Washington to end the shutdown and restore reliable food assistance for every American family.