SNAP Payments Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared on Saturday that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs are not going out in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown lasted three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing the USDA to access reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on the regular assistance, per official statistics. Various areas, like one southwestern state, reliance on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume government operations.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have acted weeks ago to be prepared to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package to restart the federal government.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to free up resources to address food insecurity in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.