Free speech has long been considered one of the United States most important ideals,
but the idea of free speech has never really applied to everyone.
For very simply, some people have a lot more power to speak than others.
You can listen to Code Switch on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman.
The Senate has passed spending legislation that would fund the government until January 30th.
The measure now goes to the House, but it's not clear when the government shutdown might end.
Meanwhile,
a federal judge is accusing the Trump administration of playing vindictive games when it comes to SNAP food benefits.
NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports a court hearing yesterday examined whether states must essentially take back payments they made to SNAP recipients over the weekend.
After a court order to issue full SNAP payments late last week,
some states rushed to get the benefits to people.
But when the Supreme Court then paused the order,
the Agriculture Department said states must immediately undo those payments and threatened penalties.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Plackin says this makes no sense,
especially given new moves to possibly end the shutdown.
This administration is still going to the Supreme Court to fight for the right to starve Americans.
A Trump administration attorney says states jumped the gun and should only send partial payments for now.
Once the shutdown does end, we'll issue full benefits in 24 hours," he told the judge.
Jennifer Lutton in Peer News, Washington.