Food Benefits Expected to End for Over 40 Million Amid Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Now, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, as reported by official statistics. In certain states, such as one southwestern state, use of SNAP affects 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of a budget research center noted that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
