Food Benefits Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, coming after calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, per official statistics. In certain states, such as one southwestern state, use of SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by journalists indicated that the department would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume the federal government.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a spending bill to restart government operations.
States Prepare
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds to address food insecurity in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
