Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Continuing US Government Shutdown
USDA officials stated recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse.
Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks
The federal closure was in nearly a month as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals count on the regular assistance, per official statistics. In certain states, including New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency revealed that the department would not access reserve funds for the upcoming payments.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over how to support and resume federal agencies.
Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House had chances to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a funding package that would reopen federal functions.
Local Responses
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols this week to free up resources to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
