Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats asking the department to utilize emergency reserves to pay for November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, according to federal data. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by journalists revealed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree regarding how to fund and reopen the federal government.
A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps before now to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Rather, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.
States Prepare
Executives in multiple regions issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
