SNAP Payments Scheduled to Expire for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared recently that SNAP funds through a critical national support systems are not going out in November because of the continuing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown had reached nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives urging agriculture officials to access emergency reserves to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, including New Mexico, reliance on SNAP is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders continue to disagree over how to finance and restart the federal government.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to vote for a spending bill that would reopen government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
