SNAP Payments Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal welfare initiatives will not be distributed in November because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The federal closure was in its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives asking the department to access emergency reserves to pay for next month's benefits.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, including one southwestern state, use of SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that federal authorities would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart federal agencies.
A statement from the head of a budget research center indicated that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in multiple regions issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
