Food Benefits Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million Amid Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national welfare initiatives won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure had reached nearly a month at the time of the statement, coming after calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to fund next month's benefits.
“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people depend on the regular assistance, per official statistics. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of the program reaches 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by Reuters indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Partisan Impasse
Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen the federal government.
A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the administration had chances to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package to restart the federal government.
Local Responses
State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting food benefits expiring next month.
