SNAP Payments Scheduled to End for 41 Million During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
USDA officials declared this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal welfare initiatives will not be distributed next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to utilize contingency funds to pay for November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals rely on the regular assistance, per the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to be prepared to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package to restart government operations.
Local Responses
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations in recent days to make money available for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
