Food Benefits Scheduled to Expire for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities declared this past weekend that monthly food benefits from a major federal social assistance programs are not going out next month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize contingency funds to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, dependence on the program affects 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume federal agencies.
Comments by the head of a budget research center suggested that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have made moves before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume federal functions.
Local Responses
State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.