Food Benefits Set to Expire for Over 40 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the department to utilize reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Various areas, including one southwestern state, use of SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that the department chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration had chances to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support legislation that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
