Food Benefits Set to End for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing Government Closure
The United States Department of Agriculture announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national welfare initiatives are not going out next month amid the persistent federal closure.
Closure Continues Into 25th Day
The funding lapse was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, which followed calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing the USDA to tap into reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans rely on the regular assistance, per the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on the program affects 21% of residents.
Internal communications seen by Reuters indicated that USDA officials would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree about the way to support and resume government operations.
A statement from the head of a prominent policy organization noted that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility acted earlier to get ready to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve a funding package that would reopen federal functions.
Local Responses
State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia declared states of emergency this week to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
