Nutrition Assistance Expected to End for Over 40 Million Throughout Prolonged Federal Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities declared on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal welfare initiatives are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The federal closure lasted its 25th day at the time of the statement, coming after demands from hundreds of House Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to pay for next month's benefits.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.
National Consequences
More than 41 million individuals rely on these food benefits, according to the USDA. In certain states, like New Mexico, reliance on this assistance is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters indicated that federal authorities decided against using emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to finance and restart the federal government.
Comments by the head of a budget research center suggested that federal leadership had opportunities to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to be prepared to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would resume the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
