Food Benefits Expected to Cease for 41 Million Amid Ongoing Government Closure
USDA officials announced recently that SNAP funds from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure was in three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives urging the USDA to utilize reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that the department would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders are still at odds regarding how to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House had chances to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves earlier to be prepared to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart government operations.
Local Responses
Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency this week to make money available to address food insecurity expecting food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
