SNAP Payments Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued in November amid the persistent federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the USDA to access emergency reserves to pay for next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on these monthly payments, per the USDA. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, dependence on the program affects one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume the federal government.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership had opportunities to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to be prepared to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to support legislation that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
