SNAP Payments Set to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged Federal Shutdown
USDA officials announced recently that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging the USDA to utilize contingency funds to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, according to official statistics. In certain states, like New Mexico, dependence on this assistance reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists indicated that federal authorities would not access reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to finance and restart federal agencies.
Comments by the head of a prominent policy organization indicated that the White House could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a spending bill to restart federal functions.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
