Food Benefits Expected to Cease for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared on Saturday that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued next month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats asking the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to fund next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, as reported by the USDA. Various areas, like New Mexico, reliance on SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds regarding how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership had chances to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps before now to be prepared to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package to restart federal functions.
Local Responses
Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency in recent days to make money available to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
