Food Benefits Expected to End for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal closure.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse was in its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging the department to utilize emergency reserves to cover next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans count on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. In certain states, like one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters showed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume the federal government.
Remarks from the leader of a budget research center noted that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Instead, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to support legislation to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations this week to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
