The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be released on November 1 unless the government shutdown is resolved, escalating concerns for millions of low-income families. The shutdown, which began on October 1, will enter its fifth week.
USDA issues are in the public interest
In a report posted on the USDA website, the administration blamed Senate Democrats for the funding freeze.
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to defund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the announcement read.
“At this time, no benefits will be issued on November 1st. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to provide health care for illegal aliens and FGM procedures, or reopen the government so that mothers, children and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutritional assistance.”
Political dispute over health care subsidies
The impasse stems from a standoff over ending health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats are pushing to extend the credits to avoid raising premiums for millions of Americans. Republicans say Democrats must first vote to reopen the government before negotiations can move forward.
Millions of people could lose access to food aid
SNAP benefits for October were distributed from funds allocated before the shutdown began. If Congress falls short of the 60-vote threshold to pass temporary funding legislation, aid could stop by November.
SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income families afford healthy food. Cutting benefits would extend the shutdown’s impact to some of the most vulnerable communities across the country.
Second longest shutdown in US history
The shutdown, which has entered its 26th day, has now become the second longest in history. So far, the White House has acted to keep some programs afloat, but the looming suspension of SNAP is increasing pressure on lawmakers to strike a deal in the coming days.
