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USDA officials announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal support systems are not going out during the coming month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.

Closure Continues Into 25th Day

The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, in response to demands from hundreds of House Democrats asking the department to tap into reserve accounts to pay for November's food assistance.

“Bottom line, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people depend on these monthly payments, according to federal data. In certain states, like New Mexico, reliance on SNAP reaches a significant portion of citizens.

Internal communications seen by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.

Partisan Impasse

Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree over how to support and resume federal agencies.

Comments by the head of a budget research center indicated that the administration had opportunities to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.

“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to get ready to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would reopen the federal government.

Emergency Measures

Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations recently to make money available for hunger relief expecting SNAP benefits not being issued next month.