SNAP Payments Set to Expire for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure lasted its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the department to utilize contingency funds to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans count on the regular assistance, per federal data. Some regions, including one southwestern state, reliance on SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency revealed that the department would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders are still at odds about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
A statement from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves earlier to be prepared to use these funds,” the comments added. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to approve legislation that would resume the federal government.
States Prepare
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols in recent days to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
