Nutrition Assistance Set to Expire for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse had reached its 25th day when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to access emergency reserves to fund next month's benefits.
“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Widespread Impact
Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on this assistance is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
A memo obtained by Reuters revealed that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.
Legislative Deadlock
Congressional leaders continue to disagree over how to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that federal leadership could have acted to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps before now to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Instead, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would resume the federal government.
States Prepare
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations this week to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.