SNAP Payments Set to Expire for Over 40 Million During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
USDA officials announced this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national support systems are not going out in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals rely on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. In certain states, including one southwestern state, use of this assistance reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists revealed that the department chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the director at a budget research center suggested that federal leadership could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support a spending bill to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for food benefits expiring next month.
