Food Benefits Expected to Expire for 41 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated this past weekend that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure was in its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, per official statistics. Some regions, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by Reuters showed that the department would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the head of a prominent policy organization indicated that the administration had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the comments added. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations in recent days to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
