SNAP Payments Expected to End for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
USDA officials stated this past weekend that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats urging agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans rely on the regular assistance, per federal data. Various areas, including one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds over how to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to be prepared to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a funding package that would resume government operations.
States Prepare
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
