Approximately 42 million Americans are anxiously awaiting a critical decision in a last-minute lawsuit that could unlock funds for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) as the government shutdown approaches its one-month mark.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently declared that it would halt SNAP funding effective November 1, citing that financial resources have been exhausted.

Federal Judge Indira Talwani, who is presiding over the case, was initially expected to deliver a ruling on Thursday. While no official decision has been released, Judge Talwani expressed doubts on Thursday about the government’s ability to cease funding by Saturday.

“When funds are limited, you need to make adjustments,” she remarked. “It’s not acceptable to jeopardize lives due to political maneuvering.”