SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal welfare initiatives are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats asking agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals depend on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Various areas, including one southwestern state, dependence on SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that federal authorities would not access contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to support and resume the federal government.
Comments by the leader of a budget research center indicated that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill that would resume federal functions.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds to address food insecurity expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
