Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives urging the department to utilize reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans rely on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, dependence on SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that the department would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Comments by the head of a budget research center indicated that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to vote for a spending bill that would resume the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols in recent days to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
