SNAP Payments Scheduled to Expire for Over 40 Million Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities stated recently that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats asking agriculture officials to tap into contingency funds to fund next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. In certain states, like New Mexico, reliance on SNAP reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
A statement from the head of a prominent policy organization noted that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Instead, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for a spending bill that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols in recent days to free up resources to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.