SNAP Payments Expected to Expire for Over 40 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month as officials revealed the news, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the department to access emergency reserves to cover next month's benefits.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals rely on these monthly payments, per federal data. Various areas, including New Mexico, dependence on SNAP affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart government operations.
Comments by the head of a budget research center noted that federal leadership could have acted to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to be prepared to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for a funding package that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
