Nutrition Assistance Set to Expire for 41 Million Amid Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities declared recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking the USDA to access reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on these monthly payments, per the USDA. In certain states, like New Mexico, use of the program reaches 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by Reuters showed that USDA officials would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to finance and restart government operations.
Comments by the head of a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart the federal government.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
