Nutrition Assistance Expected to End for 41 Million Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, dependence on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that federal authorities decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization indicated that the White House could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve a spending bill that would resume the federal government.
Local Responses
State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
