SNAP Payments Expected to End for 41 Million Amid Ongoing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The federal closure was in nearly a month as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to utilize emergency reserves to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Various areas, such as New Mexico, use of SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency showed that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of a budget research center suggested that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have acted weeks ago to make arrangements to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a funding package that would reopen federal functions.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols recently to free up resources to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
