Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government has ended its "shutdown," allowing states to resume the distribution of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, but the eligibility criteria for these benefits have been significantly tightened due to the "Big and Beautiful" tax and spending bill [1][2]. Group 1: SNAP Program Overview - The SNAP program, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1939, aims to ensure basic nutritional needs for low-income and impoverished groups through food vouchers [1]. - As of 2025 standards, eligible households can receive a maximum of $298 per month in benefits, which is approximately 2,116 yuan [1]. - SNAP serves as a lifeline for 42 million Americans, accounting for about one-eighth of the U.S. population [1]. Group 2: Recent Developments - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that federal funding will be halted for states that fail to provide required beneficiary data, which is deemed essential to combat fraud [2]. - The USDA has requested states to submit detailed information about SNAP beneficiaries, including names and identities, since May, but many Democratic-led states oppose this requirement, citing privacy concerns [2][3]. - The "Big and Beautiful" tax and spending bill, signed by President Trump in July, has tightened eligibility requirements for SNAP beneficiaries, including work requirements for able-bodied individuals under 65 [3]. Group 3: Political Context - The USDA's actions are viewed as a political maneuver between the federal government and Democratic-led states regarding the tightening of SNAP eligibility and data transparency, rather than a mere technical management issue [2]. - Over 20 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against the USDA, claiming that the data request violates privacy laws [3]. - A federal judge in San Francisco temporarily prohibited the federal government from cutting off funds due to data deficiencies, highlighting ongoing legal challenges [3].
美政府威胁切断救济金拨款!
Jin Rong Shi Bao·2025-12-04 08:26