Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged Government Closure
USDA officials stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits through a critical national support systems are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats asking the department to tap into reserve accounts to pay for next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, per the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on SNAP reaches a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by Reuters indicated that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds about the way to support and resume the federal government.
Comments by the head of a budget research center suggested that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have made moves before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a spending bill that would resume federal functions.
Local Responses
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to free up resources for hunger relief expecting food benefits expiring in November.
