U.S. Supreme Court Extends Block on SNAP Benefit Expansion as Shutdown Nears End

The U.S. Supreme Court has extended its injunction against full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments, citing budgetary complications amid the ongoing government-shutdown resolution talks. The ruling affects approximately 18 million low-income households who were awaiting additional food-aid disbursements. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue following a temporary budget compromise passed in the House. 

Analysts note that continued delays could weigh on consumer-spending momentum and elevate political pressure ahead of the December fiscal-funding deadline in Washington.