Attorney General Raúl Torrez, representing New Mexico, has initiated legal action against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary Brooke Rollins. This lawsuit is supported by a coalition of 23 attorneys general and three governors. The legal challenge arises from the USDA's decision to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid a federal government shutdown.
"More than 450,000 New Mexicans rely on SNAP to feed their families, and I will not stand by and watch our people go hungry when Congress has already appropriated billions of dollars in emergency funding to keep food on their tables," said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. He emphasized the need for expanded access to food assistance during times of rising costs.
The federal fiscal year began on October 1, 2025, without an appropriation by Congress, leading to a government shutdown. On October 10, the USDA informed state SNAP agencies that continued shutdown could result in insufficient funds for November benefits for approximately 42 million individuals nationwide. Despite this claim, Congress has allocated billions in contingency funds specifically for SNAP.
Critics argue that while other programs have received emergency funding during this period, SNAP has been neglected. This decision could have severe consequences for millions who depend on these benefits for basic nutrition. Additionally, it may strain local governments and community organizations already struggling with increased demand for emergency services.
Suspending SNAP payments also poses economic risks. According to USDA estimates, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity. Grocers and merchants accepting SNAP payments could face financial challenges due to reduced consumer spending.
Under current law, states administer SNAP while the federal government provides funding and sets benefit levels. The suspension is viewed as contrary to law under the Administrative Procedure Act since Congress intended for benefits to continue even during a shutdown.
The coalition seeks a temporary restraining order from the court to reinstate benefits immediately. A copy of the lawsuit can be accessed here: Mass v. USDA et al.. Last week, New Mexico joined others in requesting further clarification from Secretary Rollins regarding future plans for SNAP.
Joining New Mexico are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont Washington and Wisconsin along with governors from Kansas Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
Information from this article can be found here.
