SNAP Payments Set to Expire for Tens of Millions During Ongoing Government Closure
USDA officials declared on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to tap into reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, as reported by official statistics. Some regions, like New Mexico, dependence on SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by journalists indicated that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to fund and reopen government operations.
Comments by the leader of a prominent policy organization suggested that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would reopen federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from two affected states declared states of emergency this week to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
