🔗 Share this article

The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems will not be distributed in November because of the continuing federal closure.

Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks

The funding lapse was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Democratic representatives asking the USDA to utilize reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.

“The reality is, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people depend on the regular assistance, per federal data. Various areas, such as one southwestern state, use of the program is as high as 21% of residents.

Internal communications seen by journalists showed that USDA officials would not access emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.

Political Stalemate

Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart federal agencies.

Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.

“They had the ability and responsibility made moves earlier to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would resume federal functions.

States Prepare

Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to make money available to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued next month.