Nutrition Assistance Expected to Cease for Tens of Millions During Prolonged US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national social assistance programs are not going out next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The funding lapse lasted three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, per the USDA. Some regions, such as one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance reaches one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by Reuters indicated that USDA officials decided against using emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked regarding how to support and resume federal agencies.
Comments by the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to made moves before now to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a spending bill to restart federal functions.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
