SNAP Payments Set to End for 41 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The government shutdown was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people rely on these monthly payments, per official statistics. In certain states, like New Mexico, reliance on this assistance affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency revealed that the department would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps before now to get ready to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources to address food insecurity preparing for food benefits expiring in November.
