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Federal agriculture authorities announced on Saturday that SNAP funds from a major federal support systems won't be issued next month due to the ongoing federal closure.

Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks

The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, which followed appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the USDA to utilize contingency funds to cover the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Ultimately, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.

Millions Affected

Tens of millions of people count on the regular assistance, according to the USDA. In certain states, including New Mexico, reliance on the program is as high as one-fifth of the population.

A memo obtained by a major news agency revealed that federal authorities would not access reserve funds to cover next month's assistance.

Legislative Deadlock

Republicans and Democrats are still at odds about the way to finance and restart the federal government.

A statement from the director at a budget research center noted that the White House had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out.

“Officials were able and expected to made moves earlier to make arrangements to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them for potential political benefit” while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a spending bill to restart government operations.

Local Responses

Governors in multiple regions declared states of emergency recently to free up resources to combat potential hunger preparing for SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.