Nutrition Assistance Set to Expire for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national support systems won't be issued next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to access contingency funds to fund next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, according to official statistics. In certain states, such as New Mexico, dependence on SNAP affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to finance and restart federal agencies.
A statement from the head of a budget research center suggested that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves before now to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package that would resume the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
