SNAP Payments Expected to Cease for 41 Million During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
USDA officials announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems will not be distributed next month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to utilize contingency funds to cover next month's benefits.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, per official statistics. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of the program reaches a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials would not access contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree over how to finance and restart government operations.
A statement from the leader of a budget research center noted that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to be prepared to access these resources,” the comments added. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
States Prepare
State leaders from multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to make money available for hunger relief expecting food benefits expiring in November.
