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USDA officials announced this past weekend that monthly food benefits from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month amid the persistent government funding lapse.

Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks

The government shutdown lasted three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to demands from hundreds of House Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.

National Consequences

More than 41 million individuals count on these monthly payments, according to official statistics. Some regions, such as New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as 21% of residents.

Internal communications seen by Reuters showed that federal authorities decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.

Legislative Deadlock

Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds about the way to support and resume the federal government.

A statement from the director at a budget research center noted that the administration could have acted to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.

“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps earlier to get ready to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would resume federal functions.

States Prepare

State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency this week to free up resources to address food insecurity expecting food benefits expiring in November.