SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for 41 Million Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown lasted nearly a month as officials revealed the news, which followed demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives urging agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, per federal data. Some regions, like one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to get ready to use these funds,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols in recent days to free up resources to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.
