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USDA officials stated on Saturday that SNAP funds through a critical national social assistance programs are not going out during the coming month due to the ongoing federal closure.

Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks

The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing the department to access reserve accounts to cover November's food assistance.

“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the USDA stated. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.

Widespread Impact

More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, per official statistics. Some regions, including one southwestern state, dependence on SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.

A memo obtained by Reuters indicated that USDA officials chose not to tap emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.

Political Stalemate

Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to finance and restart the federal government.

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

“Officials were able and expected to taken steps earlier to make arrangements to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to support a spending bill that would reopen the federal government.

States Prepare

State leaders from Louisiana and Virginia issued emergency declarations in recent days to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping next month.