Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal social assistance programs will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to access contingency funds to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, as reported by federal data. In certain states, such as New Mexico, dependence on the program affects a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that federal authorities would not access contingency funding for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve legislation that would reopen government operations.
States Prepare
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
