SNAP Payments Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million Throughout Ongoing Federal Shutdown
USDA officials announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits through a critical national social assistance programs will not be distributed in November because of the continuing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives asking agriculture officials to tap into reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people rely on these monthly payments, as reported by the USDA. Various areas, like New Mexico, dependence on this assistance affects one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that the department decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves weeks ago to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve a spending bill that would resume government operations.
States Prepare
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
