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USDA officials announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs are not going out next month due to the ongoing government funding lapse.

Impasse Persists For Nearly Four Weeks

The funding lapse had reached its 25th day at the time of the statement, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats pushing the department to utilize reserve accounts to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Currently, assistance will not be provided” starting next month.

National Consequences

More than 41 million individuals count on these food benefits, as reported by official statistics. Various areas, including one southwestern state, use of this assistance reaches one-fifth of the population.

Internal communications seen by Reuters indicated that the department chose not to tap reserve funds for the upcoming payments.

Political Stalemate

Congressional leaders continue to disagree regarding how to support and resume the federal government.

Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House had chances to take earlier action to ensure continuous assistance.

“It could have, and should have taken steps before now to be prepared to utilize available money,” the comments added. “Rather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantage” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would reopen the federal government.

Emergency Measures

State leaders from multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to allocate funds to combat potential hunger expecting food benefits expiring in November.