Nutrition Assistance Expected to Expire for 41 Million Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials declared this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, which followed demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging the department to tap into reserve accounts to cover next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Various areas, including New Mexico, reliance on SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to acted weeks ago to make arrangements to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would resume federal functions.
Local Responses
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources to address food insecurity expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
