Food Benefits Set to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued during the coming month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives pushing the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these food benefits, per the USDA. Various areas, like New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by journalists revealed that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of a budget research center noted that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have acted before now to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency recently to make money available to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
