Nutrition Assistance Expected to End for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture declared on Saturday that monthly food benefits through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month as officials revealed the news, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to utilize reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. In certain states, such as New Mexico, use of SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House could have acted to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have made moves before now to be prepared to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
