Food Benefits Set to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest support systems are not going out in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 House Democrats asking the USDA to access reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans count on the regular assistance, per official statistics. Some regions, like one southwestern state, reliance on the program affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials would not access contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds over how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the leader of a budget research center suggested that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to make arrangements to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would reopen government operations.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to allocate funds for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
