Food Benefits Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities declared this past weekend that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out in November because of the continuing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the department to access contingency funds to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals rely on the regular assistance, per federal data. In certain states, such as New Mexico, use of the program reaches 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by journalists showed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
A statement from the director at a budget research center noted that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in multiple regions issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
