Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for Over 40 Million Amid Ongoing Federal Shutdown
USDA officials announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems will not be distributed next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached its 25th day when the announcement was made, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to tap into emergency reserves to cover November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, as reported by official statistics. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, use of SNAP reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds over how to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of a budget research center suggested that the White House had opportunities to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves earlier to make arrangements to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
