Food Benefits Set to Expire for Tens of Millions Throughout Prolonged Government Closure
USDA officials announced on Saturday that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs will not be distributed during the coming month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. In certain states, such as New Mexico, dependence on SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by journalists revealed that federal authorities would not access reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree over how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package to restart government operations.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
