Food Benefits Scheduled to Cease for Over 40 Million During Continuing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed in November amid the persistent federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 Democratic representatives urging the USDA to utilize emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, per the USDA. In certain states, like New Mexico, use of this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that USDA officials would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to support and resume federal agencies.
Comments by the director at a budget research center indicated that the administration had opportunities to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a funding package to restart the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to make money available for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
