Nutrition Assistance Set to End for 41 Million Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives pushing agriculture officials to utilize contingency funds to pay for next month's benefits.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, per the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of this assistance is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency showed that the department would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree regarding how to fund and reopen the federal government.
Comments by the leader of a budget research center suggested that federal leadership had chances to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have made moves before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for legislation that would resume the federal government.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to make money available to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
