Food Benefits Set to End for 41 Million Throughout Continuing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials declared recently that monthly food benefits through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week
The federal closure 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 contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, use of this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that USDA officials would not access contingency funding for November food benefits.
Political Stalemate
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree regarding how to fund and reopen federal agencies.
Comments by the head of a budget research center indicated that federal leadership had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have made moves before now to be prepared to use these funds,” the comments added. “Instead, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a spending bill that would reopen government operations.
Local Responses
Executives in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to free up resources for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
