Food Benefits Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions During Continuing Government Closure
USDA officials announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after calls from over 200 Democratic representatives asking the department to access contingency funds to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, according to federal data. Some regions, including New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency indicated that the department decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve legislation to restart the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in multiple regions activated emergency protocols recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
