Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture declared on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 Democratic representatives urging the USDA to utilize contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, according to federal data. Some regions, including one southwestern state, use of the program is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by journalists revealed that federal authorities decided against using reserve funds for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over how to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization noted that the White House could have acted to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve legislation to restart the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
