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USDA officials declared recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national welfare initiatives will not be distributed during the coming month amid the persistent federal government shutdown.

Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day

The government shutdown was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats urging the department to access contingency funds to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.

“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.

National Consequences

Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, according to official statistics. In certain states, like one southwestern state, dependence on the program reaches one-fifth of the population.

A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.

Political Stalemate

Republicans and Democrats are still at odds over how to finance and restart the federal government.

Comments by the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House had chances to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to be prepared to access these resources,” the comments added. “Instead, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to vote for a spending bill that would resume federal functions.

Local Responses

Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols in recent days to make money available to address food insecurity in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued next month.