Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for 41 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials declared on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent federal closure.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 Democratic representatives asking agriculture officials to access contingency funds to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals rely on these monthly payments, per the USDA. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of the program reaches a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by Reuters showed that federal authorities chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume the federal government.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve legislation to restart the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to make money available for hunger relief expecting food benefits expiring in November.
