SNAP Payments Scheduled to End for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to utilize emergency reserves to fund November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals depend on these monthly payments, per federal data. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of a budget research center indicated that the White House had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
