Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for Over 40 Million During Prolonged Government Closure
USDA officials declared recently that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats asking the USDA to tap into contingency funds to fund next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals depend on these monthly payments, as reported by the USDA. In certain states, including one southwestern state, dependence on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that federal authorities chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House had opportunities to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
