Food Benefits Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared recently that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives will not be distributed in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to tap into contingency funds to fund next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. In certain states, including one southwestern state, use of SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency revealed that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Remarks from the leader of a budget research center indicated that federal leadership could have acted to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to support legislation that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to make money available to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
