Food Benefits Expected to Expire for 41 Million Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials declared recently that monthly food benefits under one of the country’s largest support systems won't be issued next month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached nearly a month as officials revealed the news, coming after demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats urging the department to tap into contingency funds to pay for next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, per official statistics. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance reaches one-fifth of the population.
A memo obtained by a major news agency showed that USDA officials would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to finance and restart the federal government.
A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“Officials were able and expected to acted earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support legislation to restart government operations.
Emergency Measures
Executives in two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
