SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for 41 Million Amid Continuing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives urging agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Some regions, including one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance affects 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by Reuters indicated that federal authorities chose not to tap reserve funds for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to fund and reopen federal agencies.
A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have acted earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations recently to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.