SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Prolonged Federal Shutdown
USDA officials stated recently that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, per federal data. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on this assistance affects one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists revealed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the leader of a prominent policy organization indicated that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have taken steps earlier to be prepared to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
Executives in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
