Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Over 40 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued next month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, in response to demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives asking the department to tap into reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, 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. In certain states, like one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP reaches a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that USDA officials would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to acted before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume the federal government.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to free up resources to address food insecurity in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
