SNAP Payments Set to End for 41 Million Amid Ongoing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities declared this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives pushing the department to tap into emergency reserves to cover next month's benefits.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans count on the regular assistance, per federal data. Various areas, like New Mexico, reliance on this assistance affects one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves weeks ago to be prepared to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package that would resume government operations.
States Prepare
Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.