SNAP Payments Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million During Prolonged Federal Shutdown
Federal agriculture authorities stated this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national welfare initiatives are not going out in November amid the persistent federal government shutdown.
Closure Continues Through Its Third Week
The funding lapse lasted nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed demands from hundreds of House Democrats urging the department to tap into emergency reserves to pay for next month's benefits.
“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.
Millions Affected
More than 41 million individuals rely on these food benefits, per federal data. Some regions, including New Mexico, use of SNAP is as high as one-fifth of the population.
Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that the department would not access emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Political Stalemate
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked regarding how to finance and restart government operations.
A statement from the head of a prominent policy organization suggested that the White House had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.
Emergency Measures
Executives in Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.
