SNAP Payments Expected to Expire for 41 Million Amid Prolonged Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives are not going out in November amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats asking the department to access emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Some regions, including one southwestern state, dependence on the program affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by Reuters showed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
Remarks from the head of a prominent policy organization noted that federal leadership had chances to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to get ready to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a spending bill to restart federal functions.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency in recent days to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
