"The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries. "Bottom line, the well has run dry," the USDA notice says. "At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats."
"The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record. While the Republican administration took steps leading up to the shutdown to ensure SNAP benefits were paid this month, the cutoff would expand the impact of the impasse to a wider swath of Americans - and some of those most in need - unless a political resolution is found in just a few days."
"But a USDA memo that surfaced Friday says "contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits." The document says the money is reserved for such things such as helping people in disaster areas. It cited a storm named Melissa, which has strengthened into a major hurricane, as an example of why it's important to have the money available to mobilize quickly in the event of a disaster. The prospect of families not receiving food aid has deeply concerned states run by both parties."
A USDA notice warns SNAP benefits will not be issued November 1 after the administration declined to use roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to extend benefits. SNAP helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries. The government shutdown that began Oct. 1 is the second-longest on record; October payments were secured but November payments are at risk without a swift political agreement. Democrats seek negotiation on expiring ACA subsidies before reopening; Republicans demand reopening first. A USDA memo says contingency funds are legally reserved for disasters, citing storm Melissa. States from both parties express deep concern and some pledge to act.
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