California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins, charging that the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is unlawful. This legal action, backed by a coalition of attorneys general from 22 states and three governors, responds to the USDA’s decision to halt SNAP benefits amid the federal government shutdown, which impacts millions of low-income Americans.
The complaint alleges that the USDA failed to utilize available contingency funds that could have sustained SNAP during the shutdown. Bonta’s office asserts that the USDA has both the authority and the obligation to access its contingency reserves, which total approximately $6 billion, to ensure that SNAP benefits continue uninterrupted. The lawsuit aims to restore funding for the program, which serves around 42 million Americans, including 5.5 million Californians.
In a press release, Attorney General Bonta expressed concern over the implications of this suspension. He stated, “For the first time ever, SNAP benefits will not be available to the millions of low-income individuals who depend on them to put food on the table.” With the holiday season approaching, Bonta highlighted the increasing costs of groceries and the rising demand at food banks, suggesting that the USDA’s actions are politically motivated rather than focused on the welfare of vulnerable populations.
Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized the Trump administration’s decision, calling it “cruel” and indicative of a lack of compassion for the American people. He asserted that the administration’s priorities do not align with the needs of the country’s citizens.
The USDA had previously indicated that SNAP benefits would continue despite the government shutdown. This stance changed with a decision made on October 24, 2023, to suspend benefits indefinitely. The coalition of states argues that this reversal violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which mandates reasoned decision-making by federal agencies.
SNAP is vital for many demographics, particularly in California, where 63.2% of recipients are children or the elderly. The program also supports nearly 85,000 veterans in the state. The coalition, which includes attorneys general from states such as Arizona, Massachusetts, and Minnesota, seeks to hold the USDA accountable for what they describe as an illegal action that undermines its statutory responsibilities.
In addition to the lawsuit, a motion for a temporary restraining order is being pursued to prevent the suspension from taking effect, citing the potential harm to countless Americans. The public can access documents related to the lawsuit, including the legal filing and the request for a restraining order, through the California Attorney General’s website.
As this case unfolds, it represents the Trump administration’s 45th legal challenge during Attorney General Bonta’s tenure, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding essential safety nets during a critical period for many Americans. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact food assistance for millions who rely on SNAP for their daily nutrition.
