SNAP Payments Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Prolonged Government Closure
USDA officials announced on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems will not be distributed during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on these monthly payments, per the USDA. In certain states, such as New Mexico, reliance on this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked over how to fund and reopen government operations.
Remarks from the head of a budget research center noted that the White House had opportunities to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for legislation to restart the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to free up resources for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
