Food Benefits Scheduled to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out in November because of the continuing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The federal closure lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, as reported by federal data. Some regions, such as New Mexico, use of SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to finance and restart federal agencies.
Comments by the director at a budget research center indicated that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a funding package to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
