SNAP Payments Scheduled to Expire for Tens of Millions Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities declared recently that monthly food benefits through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued in November because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives asking agriculture officials to utilize emergency reserves to pay for next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, as reported by the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, dependence on SNAP reaches a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that the department decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have acted weeks ago to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve legislation that would resume federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to make money available to address food insecurity in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.
