Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for Over 40 Million During Prolonged Government Closure
USDA officials stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to tap into contingency funds to cover next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals rely on these food benefits, according to official statistics. In certain states, including one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that the department would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization noted that federal leadership could have acted to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package that would resume government operations.
States Prepare
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations this week to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for food benefits expiring in November.
