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USDA officials announced recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks

The funding lapse was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing agriculture officials to access contingency funds to fund November's food assistance.

“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the USDA stated. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.

Millions Affected

More than 41 million individuals depend on the regular assistance, per federal data. Some regions, like one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance affects a significant portion of citizens.

A memo obtained by Reuters indicated that the department decided against using reserve funds for the upcoming payments.

Political Stalemate

Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to finance and restart government operations.

A statement from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities suggested that the administration had chances to prepare in advance to prevent benefits from running out.

“It could have, and should have acted before now to make arrangements to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Conversely, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to approve a funding package to restart government operations.

States Prepare

State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations this week to allocate funds to address food insecurity in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.