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Federal agriculture authorities declared this past weekend that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal closure.

Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week

The federal closure had reached its 25th day as officials revealed the news, coming after calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing the USDA to access reserve accounts to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.

“The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” starting next month.

National Consequences

Tens of millions of people count on these food benefits, according to federal data. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.

A memo obtained by a major news agency indicated that the department decided against using reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.

Political Stalemate

Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked about the way to finance and restart the federal government.

A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that the White House had opportunities to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance.

“Officials were able and expected to made moves before now to get ready to use these funds,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a funding package that would resume government operations.

Local Responses

Executives in two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to address food insecurity preparing for nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.