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In a late-night memo, the USDA told states to immediately undo any steps taken to provide full SNAP benefits, warning of financial penalties for noncompliance. The directive followed a federal judge’s order that prompted some states to issue full benefits, which Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson then temporarily paused to allow an appeals court review. The uncertainty, intensified by the administration’s earlier refusal to fund November benefits during the shutdown, has driven long lines at food banks. Officials say nearly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, many below the poverty line. Maryland’s governor criticized the confusion.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.