Food Benefits Scheduled to Expire for Over 40 Million Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems will not be distributed in November because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The government shutdown was in three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats urging the department to utilize reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, as reported by federal data. In certain states, like one southwestern state, dependence on the program affects a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by journalists indicated that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders are still at odds over how to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership could have acted to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support a spending bill that would resume federal functions.
Local Responses
State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.