Nutrition Assistance Set to Expire for Tens of Millions Throughout Ongoing Government Closure
USDA officials announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, which followed demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging the department to utilize contingency funds to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Over 40 million Americans rely on the regular assistance, as reported by the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that the department would not access contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the head of a prominent policy organization indicated that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to free up resources to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
