Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities declared recently that SNAP funds from a major federal welfare initiatives are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing agriculture officials to access emergency reserves to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, according to official statistics. Some regions, including one southwestern state, use of this assistance reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to support and resume government operations.
A statement from the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that the administration could have acted to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
