Food Benefits Expected to Expire for Tens of Millions During Continuing Federal Shutdown
USDA officials announced recently that SNAP funds through a critical national support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats asking the USDA to tap into contingency funds to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, use of SNAP is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had chances to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps before now to be prepared to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to support legislation to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in multiple regions activated emergency protocols in recent days to make money available for hunger relief preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
