SNAP Payments Expected to End for Tens of Millions During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The federal closure was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize emergency reserves to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, as reported by official statistics. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency revealed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to support and resume federal agencies.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves earlier to get ready to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve legislation that would reopen government operations.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
