SNAP Payments Set to Expire for 41 Million During Continuing Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing the USDA to utilize emergency reserves to pay for next month's benefits.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on these monthly payments, per the USDA. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to finance and restart government operations.
A statement from the head of a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House could have acted to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to support legislation that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from multiple regions activated emergency protocols in recent days to free up resources to address food insecurity in anticipation of food benefits expiring next month.
