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The USDA says it won’t tap its $6 billion contingency fund to cover November SNAP benefits, warning states they won’t be reimbursed if they pay out anyway, according to a memo obtained by CNN. Without a reversal, roughly 42 million people could miss food assistance as the shutdown that began October 1 drags on. The agency cites legal limits on using reserves, while Democrats and advocates argue USDA is obligated to use them and other funds to meet roughly $8 billion in costs. Political pressure is mounting as WIC was sustained only by a $300 million tariff-revenue shift.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.