🔗 Share this article SNAP Payments Expected to End for 41 Million During Continuing Government Closure Federal agriculture authorities stated this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued in November due to the ongoing federal closure. Closure Continues Into 25th Day The funding lapse lasted nearly a month when the announcement was made, coming after appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats asking the USDA to utilize emergency reserves to pay for the upcoming nutrition payments. “The reality is, funds are depleted,” the department confirmed. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November. Millions Affected More than 41 million individuals count on the regular assistance, according to federal data. Various areas, such as New Mexico, use of the program is as high as one-fifth of the population. Documents reviewed by journalists revealed that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits. Legislative Deadlock Lawmakers from both parties continue to disagree regarding how to finance and restart the federal government. A statement from the director at a budget research center suggested that the administration had opportunities to take earlier action to prevent benefits from running out. “It could have, and should have taken steps weeks ago to make arrangements to access these resources,” the remarks concluded. “Rather, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as conservative leaders work to influence Democratic senators to approve legislation to restart federal functions. Emergency Measures Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency this week to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.