USDA officials stated recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.
The funding lapse was in three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats asking agriculture officials to utilize emergency reserves to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.
Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, as reported by federal data. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.
A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that USDA officials would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.
Congressional leaders remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart federal agencies.
Comments by the director at a budget research center indicated that the administration could have acted to act sooner to avoid interruption in payments.
“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to approve a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.
Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources for hunger relief preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.
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