SNAP Payments Expected to End for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to cover next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on the regular assistance, per federal data. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, use of this assistance is as high as one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists revealed that federal authorities would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the director at a budget research center indicated that federal leadership had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill that would reopen government operations.
States Prepare
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief preparing for food benefits expiring in November.
