Food Benefits Expected to Expire for 41 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated recently that monthly food benefits from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued in November amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats asking agriculture officials to access contingency funds to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, use of SNAP affects one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that USDA officials would not access contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart federal agencies.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to get ready to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations recently to allocate funds to address food insecurity preparing for food benefits expiring in November.
