SNAP Payments Scheduled to End for 41 Million Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 House Democrats asking the department to access emergency reserves to fund November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on these monthly payments, according to official statistics. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a funding package to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency this week to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.
