SNAP Payments Set to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs are not going out next month amid the persistent federal closure.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached nearly a month as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats asking the department to utilize contingency funds to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Some regions, including one southwestern state, use of SNAP affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by Reuters indicated that federal authorities chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to support and resume federal agencies.
A statement from the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that the administration had opportunities to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to address food insecurity preparing for food benefits expiring next month.
