Food Benefits Expected to Cease for 41 Million During Continuing Federal Shutdown
USDA officials declared on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out in November amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown was in three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing the USDA to tap into contingency funds to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, according to federal data. Some regions, including New Mexico, use of the program affects a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities would not access contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to support and resume the federal government.
Comments by the leader of a budget research center suggested that the White House had opportunities to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps weeks ago to be prepared to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve a spending bill that would reopen federal functions.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
