This week’s federal policy round-up examines the growing consequences of the government shutdown, which is disrupting food assistance and preschool programs. Ongoing developments in military deployment and ICE operations continue to raise questions about federal oversight. In other developments, public service loan benefits are being restored, and concerns persist over inconsistent protections for U.S. citizens abroad.
Federal Shutdown Update
Shutdown Threatens SNAP and WIC Benefits Ahead of November 1 Deadline: Millions of families relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could lose benefits if the federal shutdown continues. States warn they will suspend payments on November 1 as funds run out. WIC narrowly avoided an earlier lapse when the administration reallocated $300 million to fund October, but no similar plan has been announced for November. Maintaining SNAP for one month costs about $8 billion, and while the White House could draw on discretionary funds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has yet to share any contingency plan or guidance with states.
As food insecurity grows, food banks are reporting surging demand, including from unpaid federal employees. SNAP and WIC recipients should prepare for possible delays next month, and those able to help are encouraged to support local food banks. A separate USDA rule requiring new work documentation for SNAP recipients also takes effect November 1 under the recent “Big Beautiful Bill,” adding further administrative strain for states and beneficiaries alike.
This moment underscores the urgent need to protect access to healthcare and food assistance. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helps millions of family access health coverage — especially during times of economic instability like the current shutdown. Our campaign is advocating to extend ACA tax credits beyond 2025 to ensure healthcare costs don’t rise even more. Use our P2A Tool to demand continued support for ACA tax credits.
Head Start Programs Face Funding Cliff as Shutdown Continues: The federal shutdown has frozen new annual Head Start grants, putting more than 65,000 preschool seats at risk across 41 states and Puerto Rico. Because the program depends almost entirely on federal appropriations, the disruption is immediate; some centers missed expected disbursements on October 1 and are running on reserves. Without relief, children could lose access to meals, health screenings, and stable care, while parents face job interruptions and providers scramble to stay open by taking out loans or asking staff to work unpaid.
Selective USDA Reopenings Highlight Uneven Access to Federal Aid: Even as many agencies remain closed, the USDA has reopened about 2,100 Farm Service Agency offices to distribute $3 billion in emergency assistance for farmers and ranchers through the Commodity Credit Corporation. The move offers crucial support to agricultural communities and demonstrates the administration’s ability to choose to fund programs during the shutdown.
Government Shutdown Used to Delay Swearing-In of Arizona Congresswoman, Lawsuit Filed: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is suing House Speaker Mike Johnson for refusing to swear in Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election to represent Arizona’s 7th District. The delay blocks Grijalva from joining a House majority that could force the release of sealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. While Johnson cites the government shutdown, he hasn’t claimed any lack of authority to seat her. The lawsuit argues the delay violates the Constitution and denies constituents full representation.
Access, Fairness, and Judicial Oversight in Education
Court-Monitored Agreement Restores Loan Forgiveness Programs: A legal settlement between the American Federation of Teachers and the U.S. Department of Education requires the government to resume cancelling student debt for borrowers in federal income-driven repayment plans. This includes Income-Contigent Repayment, Pay As You Earn, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness plans. The deal affects up to 2.5 million borrowers and with court oversight the agreement adds transparency and accountability. Borrowers are encouraged to check which repayment plan they are in, confirm payment record, and watch for updates to ensure they receive relief.
Domestic Military Deployments Face Legal Pushback Amid Rising Civil Liberties Concerns
Legal Battles Over Domestic Military Deployments Intensify: Legal battles over the president’s attempts to deploy National Guard troops to several cities, including Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, continue to unfold in federal courts. While lower courts have largely rejected the administration’s argument that such deployments are beyond judicial review, the Justice Department has now asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the Chicago case. These developments reflect growing scrutiny over the scope of presidential authority to use military force domestically based solely on claims of emergency. The rulings could set lasting precedents, either curbing or expanding presidential authority and civil rights.
ICE Stockpiles Military-Grade Arms: ICE has spent over $71 million on weapons and military-grade equipment in 2025—a 700% increase from last year. Purchases include rifles, armor, chemical agents, and even guided missile warheads. The agency’s growing arsenal raises concerns about militarization and accountability, especially as reports show 170 U.S. citizens were held in ICE detention centers this year. The scale of spending and detentions underscores tensions between national security enforcement and individual rights.
Equal Protection and Accountability for Citizens Abroad
Lawmakers Urge Action on Detained Palestinian-American Teen: Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American from Florida, has been held without trial in Israeli military detention since February. A group of 27 U.S. lawmakers are pressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee to intervene, citing Ibrahim’s deteriorating health, lack of contact with family, and parallels to other cases of abuse and death in Israeli custody, including the killing of his cousin Saifullah Musallet, a U.S. citizen. The case highlights a consistent pattern in which U.S. citizens detained or killed by Israeli authorities, especially Palestinian-Americans, are met with inaction by the U.S. government. This selective approach to safeguarding U.S. citizens abroad depending on the government involved or the Americans’ roots puts all citizens in danger and signals to some countries that they can violate rights without consequence.