Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to End for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated recently that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats urging the department to tap into reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people depend on the regular assistance, as reported by official statistics. Various areas, like New Mexico, reliance on SNAP is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the director at a budget research center indicated that federal leadership had chances to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have acted before now to be prepared to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to make money available to address food insecurity expecting SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
