Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal welfare initiatives will not be distributed during the coming month amid the persistent federal closure.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, according to official statistics. In certain states, including New Mexico, dependence on SNAP affects one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to support and resume the federal government.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to acted before now to be prepared to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
