Nutrition Assistance Set to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Prolonged US Government Shutdown
The United States Department of Agriculture declared recently that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks
The government shutdown had reached its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.
“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” on 1 November.
Widespread Impact
Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, use of the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.
Documents reviewed by a major news agency revealed that federal authorities decided against using contingency funding for November food benefits.
Partisan Impasse
Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree 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 could have acted to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.
“They had the ability and responsibility made moves weeks ago to be prepared to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, they might decide against it for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to approve legislation that would resume government operations.
Emergency Measures
Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.
