SNAP Payments Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the department to access emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on these food benefits, according to official statistics. Various areas, including New Mexico, dependence on SNAP is as high as 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that USDA officials would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds regarding how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have made moves before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
