Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million Amid Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives will not be distributed in November amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking the USDA to access reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, as reported by official statistics. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that federal authorities chose not to tap contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the leader of a budget research center indicated that the administration had opportunities to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have acted before now to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Rather, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package to restart government operations.
States Prepare
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.