Nutrition Assistance Set to End for Tens of Millions Throughout Prolonged Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
Impasse Persists Into 25th Day
The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, coming after demands from hundreds of House Democrats asking the department to tap into contingency funds to cover November's food assistance.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
National Consequences
Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, as reported by the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to finance and restart government operations.
A statement from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that federal leadership had opportunities to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“Officials were able and expected to acted before now to get ready to use these funds,” the comments added. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume government operations.
Local Responses
State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency in recent days to free up resources to address food insecurity expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.
