SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture declared this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown was in its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 House Democrats asking the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to fund next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Some regions, including one southwestern state, reliance on the program is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by Reuters showed that the department decided against using emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume the federal government.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.