Food Benefits Expected to Cease for Over 40 Million Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued next month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed demands from hundreds of House Democrats asking agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans count on the regular assistance, according to official statistics. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, dependence on the program reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that USDA officials chose not to tap contingency funding for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the head of a budget research center indicated that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to acted earlier to be prepared to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve legislation to restart government operations.
States Prepare
Governors in multiple regions issued emergency declarations recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
