Nutrition Assistance Scheduled to Expire for 41 Million During Continuing US Government Shutdown

The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent federal closure.

Closure Continues Through Its Third Week

The federal closure was in its 25th day at the time of the statement, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats urging agriculture officials to access reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the department confirmed. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.

Millions Affected

Over 40 million Americans depend on these monthly payments, as reported by the USDA. Some regions, such as New Mexico, use of this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.

Internal communications seen by journalists indicated that USDA officials would not access contingency funding for the upcoming payments.

Partisan Impasse

Congressional leaders are still at odds regarding how to fund and reopen federal agencies.

A statement from the head of a budget research center suggested that federal leadership had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for legislation to restart government operations.

Local Responses

Executives in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring during the upcoming period.