SNAP Payments Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, per official statistics. In certain states, including New Mexico, dependence on SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that USDA officials would not access reserve funds for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves earlier to be prepared to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package to restart the federal government.
States Prepare
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to make money available for hunger relief preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
