Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives will not be distributed next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives urging agriculture officials to tap into reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds over how to finance and restart federal agencies.
Comments by the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have acted before now to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for a spending bill that would reopen federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Executives in multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to address food insecurity in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
