Food Benefits Scheduled to End for Tens of Millions During Continuing Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated recently that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs are not going out in November amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats asking the department to tap into contingency funds to cover next month's benefits.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, per federal data. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on SNAP affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency showed that USDA officials would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree about the way to fund and reopen federal agencies.
A statement from the head of a budget research center indicated that the White House had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“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 for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package to restart federal functions.
Local Responses
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued in November.