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The Trump administration asked a federal appeals court to block a judge’s order requiring full, swift SNAP payments during the shutdown, deepening uncertainty for roughly 42 million people. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. had directed officials to use leftover federal funds, faulting the White House for treating food aid as a bargaining chip. Justice Department lawyers argued the order flouts separation of powers and that some funds can’t be tapped, as states rushed to process benefits amid the sixth week of the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.