Nutrition Assistance Expected to End for 41 Million Amid Continuing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture declared this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal support systems are not going out next month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The government shutdown lasted three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 Democratic representatives asking the department to tap into emergency reserves to cover November's food assistance.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans depend on these food benefits, as reported by the USDA. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume federal agencies.
A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would reopen government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to make money available for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
