SNAP Payments Set to End for 41 Million Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities stated this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives are not going out in November because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing the department to tap into emergency reserves to fund November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, per the USDA. Some regions, including New Mexico, reliance on this assistance reaches a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had opportunities to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a funding package to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
