Food Benefits Expected to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued in November because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives urging agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, reliance on the program is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by journalists revealed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume federal agencies.
Comments by the head of a budget research center noted that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to acted earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Instead, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
