SNAP Payments Set to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse was in three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals depend on these food benefits, per federal data. In certain states, like New Mexico, reliance on this assistance is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that the department decided against using reserve funds for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House could have acted to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve a spending bill that would resume the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
