Food Benefits Expected to Expire for 41 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated on Saturday that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems will not be distributed in November because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats asking the USDA to access contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people depend on these food benefits, per federal data. Some regions, like one southwestern state, use of this assistance reaches 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to finance and restart federal agencies.
Comments by the head of a budget research center indicated that the administration had opportunities to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve legislation to restart federal functions.
States Prepare
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.
