Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million Amid Continuing Federal Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging the department to tap into reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, per official statistics. Some regions, such as New Mexico, use of this assistance reaches 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by Reuters showed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Remarks from the director at a budget research center noted that the White House had chances to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to acted weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols in recent days to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.
