Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats asking the USDA to access contingency funds to pay for next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency revealed that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders are still at odds about the way to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the director at a budget research center suggested that federal leadership had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to make money available to address food insecurity expecting food benefits expiring next month.
