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USDA officials stated recently that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs are not going out next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks

The federal closure was in three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, coming after demands from hundreds of House Democrats pushing the department to utilize emergency reserves to cover November's food assistance.

“The reality is, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, per the USDA. Some regions, like New Mexico, reliance on this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.

Internal communications seen by journalists revealed that federal authorities chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.

Partisan Impasse

Congressional leaders are still at odds regarding how to finance and restart government operations.

A statement from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.

“Officials were able and expected to made moves earlier to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.

Emergency Measures

State leaders from multiple regions issued emergency declarations in recent days to make money available for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.