Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Over 40 Million During Ongoing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse was in its 25th day as officials revealed the news, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to access emergency reserves to cover November's food assistance.
“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Various areas, including New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.
Local Responses
Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds to address food insecurity in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
