Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the USDA to utilize reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, reliance on the program reaches a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to support and resume federal agencies.
A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that the White House could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted earlier to get ready to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve legislation that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds to address food insecurity expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.