The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that food benefits for 41 million people will not be issued in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 25th day. The decision comes after more than 200 Democrats in the House of Representatives urged the USDA to use emergency reserves to fund the benefits.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA said in a statement. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November. The impasse between Republicans and Democrats in Congress over funding the government remains unresolved.
According to the USDA, over 41 million people depend on the monthly payments, with some states heavily reliant on the programme. In New Mexico, 21% of residents receive benefits. A memo seen by Reuters indicated the department would not draw on emergency reserves to fund November’s benefits.
Sharon Parrott, head of the Centre on Budget and Policy Priorities, criticised the administration’s inaction. “It could have, and should have, taken steps weeks ago to be ready to use these funds,” she said, as reported by The Hill. “Instead, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage.”
Governors in Louisiana and Virginia have declared states of emergency to free up funds for hunger relief in anticipation of the lapse in benefits.
