SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture declared this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking the USDA to utilize contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals count on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on the program reaches a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to finance and restart federal agencies.
Remarks from the director at a prominent policy organization indicated that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to support legislation to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.