Food Benefits Expected to Expire for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities stated on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown had reached nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to pay for next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, as reported by official statistics. Some regions, including New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that USDA officials would not access reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to be prepared to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to make money available for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
