Food Benefits Expected to End for Over 40 Million Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The funding lapse had reached nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing the USDA to tap into contingency funds to cover next month's benefits.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. In certain states, such as New Mexico, dependence on this assistance reaches 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap contingency funding for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart government operations.
Comments by the leader of a budget research center noted that the White House had chances to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.
