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USDA officials announced recently that SNAP funds through a critical national support systems are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Impasse Persists Through Its Third Week

The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, which followed demands from hundreds of Democratic representatives asking the department to tap into contingency funds to pay for November's food assistance.

“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, no payments will be distributed” starting next month.

Millions Affected

Over 40 million Americans count on these monthly payments, per official statistics. Some regions, like New Mexico, use of the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.

Internal communications seen by a major news agency revealed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for the upcoming payments.

Partisan Impasse

Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume the federal government.

Remarks from the director at a budget research center indicated that the White House had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a spending bill to restart government operations.

Local Responses

Governors in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to free up resources to address food insecurity expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.