SNAP Payments Scheduled to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities declared on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives won't be issued in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse had reached nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives urging the department to utilize reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, according to federal data. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of SNAP reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by journalists showed that federal authorities would not access contingency funding for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to get ready to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Instead, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill that would resume federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief expecting food benefits expiring in November.
