SNAP Payments Scheduled to End for 41 Million Throughout Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated recently that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest support systems will not be distributed next month because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the department to tap into emergency reserves to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had chances to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to get ready to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart federal functions.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations recently to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting food benefits expiring in November.
