SNAP Payments Set to Cease for 41 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The federal closure was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats asking the department to tap into reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, use of SNAP is as high as 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency showed that USDA officials decided against using reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package that would reopen government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
