SNAP Payments Expected to Expire for Tens of Millions During Ongoing Government Closure
USDA officials declared on Saturday that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs are not going out next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The federal closure had reached nearly a month as officials revealed the news, coming after calls from over 200 Democratic representatives urging agriculture officials to tap into contingency funds to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on the regular assistance, as reported by official statistics. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by journalists showed that USDA officials decided against using contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to finance and restart government operations.
Remarks from the head of a prominent policy organization indicated that the White House could have acted to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for legislation that would reopen federal functions.
States Prepare
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to free up resources to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
