Food Benefits Set to Expire for Over 40 Million During Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to utilize reserve accounts to cover next month's benefits.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Various areas, such as New Mexico, dependence on this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by journalists indicated that federal authorities decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership could have acted to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to support a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to make money available to address food insecurity expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
