SNAP Payments Set to Cease for 41 Million Throughout Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats asking the USDA to tap into contingency funds to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, per federal data. In certain states, like New Mexico, use of SNAP affects one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that the department chose not to tap reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve legislation to restart federal functions.
States Prepare
Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
