Food Benefits Expected to Cease for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal welfare initiatives will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse was in three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, which followed demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats asking the USDA to access emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, per federal data. In certain states, including one southwestern state, dependence on the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that federal authorities decided against using reserve funds for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the head of a prominent policy organization noted that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps earlier to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Instead, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve legislation that would reopen federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in multiple regions issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds to address food insecurity expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
