Food Benefits Expected to Cease for Over 40 Million During Ongoing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached its 25th day when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 Democratic representatives asking the USDA to access reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on these monthly payments, as reported by federal data. Some regions, including New Mexico, dependence on SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds regarding how to fund and reopen government operations.
A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership could have acted to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill that would reopen government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
