Food Benefits Scheduled to Cease for Over 40 Million During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
USDA officials stated recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs will not be distributed next month because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse was in three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing the USDA to access contingency funds to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, according to federal data. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, use of the program affects one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by journalists revealed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen federal agencies.
A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would resume the federal government.
Emergency Measures
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
