Nutrition Assistance Expected to Expire for 41 Million During 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 won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on the regular assistance, as reported by federal data. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, use of this assistance reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists revealed that the department would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds about the way to support and resume the federal government.
A statement from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have acted weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Governors in multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
