Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Over 40 Million Throughout Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national support systems won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of House Democrats asking the USDA to tap into contingency funds to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals rely on these monthly payments, per official statistics. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, dependence on SNAP is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by Reuters showed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to support and resume the federal government.
Comments by the director at a budget research center noted that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to be prepared to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package to restart federal functions.
States Prepare
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to make money available for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
