Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions Throughout Continuing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems will not be distributed during the coming month because of the continuing federal closure.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The federal closure had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives urging the USDA to access contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans count on these monthly payments, per official statistics. Various areas, like New Mexico, dependence on the program affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by a major news agency showed that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree over how to support and resume government operations.
Remarks from the director at a prominent policy organization indicated that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would reopen the federal government.
Local Responses
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to make money available for hunger relief expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
