🔗 Share this article Nutrition Assistance Expected to Expire for Over 40 Million Throughout Ongoing US Government Shutdown Federal agriculture authorities stated recently that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest welfare initiatives are not going out in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week The funding lapse lasted nearly a month as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 Democratic representatives pushing the department to tap into emergency reserves to cover next month's benefits. “The reality is, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “At this time, no payments will be distributed” starting next month. National Consequences More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, according to the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of this assistance affects 21% of residents. Internal communications seen by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities chose not to tap reserve funds for the upcoming payments. Political Stalemate Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree regarding how to fund and reopen the federal government. Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out. “They had the ability and responsibility made moves weeks ago to get ready to utilize available money,” the remarks concluded. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume the federal government. Local Responses State leaders from two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to free up resources to address food insecurity expecting food benefits expiring next month.