Nutrition Assistance Expected to End for Over 40 Million During Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs will not be distributed next month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown had reached nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats asking agriculture officials to tap into reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, per the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that USDA officials would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart government operations.
A statement from the director at a budget research center noted that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would reopen government operations.
States Prepare
Executives in multiple regions issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds to address food insecurity in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
