SNAP Payments Set to End for Over 40 Million Amid Continuing Government Closure
USDA officials announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits through a critical national support systems won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure lasted three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to access contingency funds to cover November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans rely on the regular assistance, as reported by official statistics. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, use of SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to get ready to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
Governors in multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to address food insecurity preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
