Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to End for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure was in nearly a month as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats urging the department to tap into contingency funds to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Now, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals depend on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, use of the program reaches 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency showed that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds regarding how to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization indicated that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to acted weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Instead, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation to restart the federal government.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources to address food insecurity preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
