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The United States Department of Agriculture declared this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal welfare initiatives won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal closure.

Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week

The government shutdown was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats urging the USDA to tap into emergency reserves to fund November's food assistance.

“Ultimately, funds are depleted,” officials announced. “At this time, assistance will not be provided” on 1 November.

Millions Affected

Over 40 million Americans depend on these food benefits, according to the USDA. Some regions, including one southwestern state, use of the program is as high as a significant portion of citizens.

Internal communications seen by Reuters revealed that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.

Legislative Deadlock

Lawmakers from both parties are still at odds over how to fund and reopen federal agencies.

Comments by the director at a prominent policy organization noted that federal leadership had opportunities to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.

“It could have, and should have acted earlier to get ready to utilize available money,” the statement continued. “Conversely, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would reopen the federal government.

Local Responses

Governors in Louisiana and Virginia activated emergency protocols recently to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.