USDA officials announced this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs will not be distributed next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to tap into contingency funds to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on the regular assistance, per official statistics. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, use of SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have acted earlier to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation that would resume the federal government.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols in recent days to make money available to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
