Food Benefits Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing Government Closure
USDA officials declared on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals rely on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, dependence on SNAP affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree regarding how to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the director at a budget research center indicated that the administration had chances to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted earlier to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve a spending bill to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for food benefits expiring next month.
