SNAP Payments Set to Expire for Tens of Millions During Continuing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal support systems won't be issued in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The funding lapse was in three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, which followed demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to access emergency reserves to fund next month's benefits.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, according to federal data. In certain states, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the head of a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support a spending bill that would reopen government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to make money available to combat potential hunger expecting food benefits expiring in November.
