Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Cease for 41 Million Amid Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the department to utilize emergency reserves to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, according to the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, use of this assistance affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by journalists showed that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of a prominent policy organization noted that the administration could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted weeks ago to be prepared to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
