21 states sue USDA over SNAP memo
At least 22 states plus Washington, D.C. have sued the USDA over a memo directing states to turn over SNAP enrollment and case-management data, with plaintiffs citing privacy and legal concerns. A San Francisco federal judge has paused enforcement of the request while litigation proceeds, even as 28 states â mostly GOP-led, with North Carolina the lone Democratic exception â have already provided the data.
đ Key Facts
- The USDA issued a federal data request tied to SNAP (food aid) and warned it could withhold federal money from states that do not comply.
- Litigation has expanded: 22 states plus Washington, D.C. have sued to block the federal data request.
- A San Francisco-based federal judge has paused enforcement of the USDA's data request.
- Despite the lawsuits, 28 states have already provided the requested data; most of those complying are GOP-led, with North Carolina the lone Democratic-led state among them.
- State officials and governors have raised privacy and oversight concerns about the request â for example, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly voiced privacy worries in a televised interview.
đ° Sources (2)
What to know about the administration's plan to withhold states' money to manage SNAP food aid
New information:
- Litigation scope updated: 22 states plus D.C. have sued to block the federal data request.
- A San Francisco-based federal judge has paused enforcement of the request.
- Updated compliance picture: 28 states have already provided data; most are GOP-led, with North Carolina as the lone Democratic exception among those complying.
- Public opposition quote: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul raised privacy concerns in a televised interview.