SNAP Payments Expected to Expire for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged Government Closure
USDA officials stated recently that SNAP funds from a major federal support systems won't be issued in November amid the persistent federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives asking agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, use of this assistance affects 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the head of a budget research center noted that the administration could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
