🔗 Share this article

USDA officials announced this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month amid the persistent federal closure.

Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks

The federal closure lasted three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, coming after appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.

“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people rely on these food benefits, per official statistics. In certain states, like one southwestern state, use of this assistance is as high as one-fifth of the population.

A memo obtained by Reuters showed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.

Legislative Deadlock

Congressional leaders are still at odds about the way to finance and restart government operations.

Remarks from the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have acted weeks ago to get ready to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Instead, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to support a funding package to restart the federal government.

States Prepare

Governors in two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to combat potential hunger expecting nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.