Food Benefits Set to Cease for Over 40 Million Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture announced recently that monthly food benefits through a critical national support systems will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing federal closure.
Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day
The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, which followed demands from hundreds of House Democrats asking the department to access contingency funds to fund next month's benefits.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.
National Consequences
Over 40 million Americans depend on these food benefits, per official statistics. Various areas, such as New Mexico, reliance on this assistance affects 21% of residents.
Documents reviewed by journalists showed that USDA officials chose not to tap reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Legislative Deadlock
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds about the way to fund and reopen government operations.
A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization indicated that the administration could have acted to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Rather, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package that would resume federal functions.
States Prepare
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to allocate funds to address food insecurity preparing for food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.
