SNAP Payments Set to Cease for Tens of Millions Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown

USDA officials stated on Saturday that SNAP funds from a major federal welfare initiatives are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal closure.

Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks

The funding lapse was in nearly a month at the time of the statement, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to tap into contingency funds to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.

Widespread Impact

More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, per federal data. Various areas, like New Mexico, dependence on this assistance affects 21% of residents.

Documents reviewed by Reuters showed that the department would not access contingency funding to cover next month's assistance.

Political Stalemate

Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to support and resume the federal government.

A statement from the head of a prominent policy organization noted that the administration had chances to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.

“Officials were able and expected to acted earlier to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill to restart the federal government.

Local Responses

Executives in two affected states issued emergency declarations in recent days to allocate funds for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping during the upcoming period.