Food Benefits Set to Cease for Over 40 Million During Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives urging the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, according to official statistics. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by journalists showed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the head of a budget research center suggested that the administration had opportunities to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to get ready to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
