Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Expire for Over 40 Million Amid Prolonged Government Closure
Federal agriculture authorities declared recently that monthly food benefits through a critical national support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The government shutdown was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats asking agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, according to federal data. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that the department chose not to tap contingency funding for the upcoming payments.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to fund and reopen government operations.
Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations this week to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
