SNAP Payments Scheduled to End for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached its 25th day when the announcement was made, coming after demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging the department to access contingency funds to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Now, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on the regular assistance, as reported by the USDA. Various areas, like New Mexico, dependence on SNAP reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume government operations.
A statement from the leader of a budget research center noted that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to get ready to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would reopen the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to address food insecurity preparing for food benefits expiring in November.
