RISCC v. Rollins

A coalition of more than 80 local governments and leaders is urging the federal government to immediately distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits so over 41 million Americans can feed their families. Public Rights Project filed the brief on behalf of the coalition, asking the appellate court to affirm the district court’s order requiring those payments.

The federal government filed an emergency appeal, challenging the district court’s decision that required that full November benefits be provided to recipients. The amicus brief details the severe burdens the SNAP suspension has placed on local governments and our communities. The brief urges the court to reject the federal government’s attempt to stay the district court’s decision that would require the full and immediate payment of SNAP benefits.

The brief explains that the federal government is failing local communities and residents who depend on SNAP. Despite having funds available and authority to issue November benefits, the federal government has chosen not to — leaving children, seniors, and veterans at risk of hunger. As a result, cities and counties are scrambling to fill the gap by diverting scarce resources, providing emergency gift cards, directing funds to food banks, and coordinating with agencies and utility companies to prevent shutoffs and additional harm to residents.

Finally, the brief makes clear that a stay would intensify hunger and hardship for families already at the breaking point. Residents need these benefits immediately to feed their families, and further delay would be devastating.

Update:

On Nov. 11, 2025, a coalition of 120 local governments and leaders filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to deny the federal government’s request to stay the case. The coalition wants a district court ruling upheld that requires SNAP payments to be paid immediately. 

On Nov. 7, the federal government had asked the Supreme Court to pause the district court’s order pending an appeals court decision. On Nov. 9, the appeals court upheld the district court’s ruling, and the federal government then went to the Supreme Court asking for an immediate emergency stay. 

The new brief defends the 41 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits and highlights the heroic efforts by local governments, leaders, and community members who are trying to fill the gaps left by the federal government at this moment.

Read the brief.