US Officials Ask Court to Keep Food Aid on Hold Despite Deal

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to maintain the suspension of $4 billion in food aid for low-income families, despite a recent agreement to reopen the government. This request comes amid the ongoing political impasse over border security funding, which led to the longest government shutdown in US history. The administration argues that the food aid program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), should remain on hold until Congress approves a bill to fully restore government operations. This move is seen as an attempt to leverage the food aid as a bargaining chip in the ongoing negotiations. The decision by the Supreme Court could have significant implications for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on their tables. The administration's request has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that the aid should be immediately restored to address the pressing needs of low-income families affected by the shutdown.