Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Expire for Over 40 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives are not going out in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to access emergency reserves to cover November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, per the USDA. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders are still at odds about the way to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization indicated that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Instead, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to make money available for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
