đ Share this article Nutrition Assistance Set to End for 41 Million Amid Ongoing US Government Shutdown The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal support systems will not be distributed in November due to the ongoing government funding lapse. Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks The government shutdown lasted three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, which followed demands from hundreds of Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to tap into reserve accounts to cover next month's benefits. âThe reality is, funds are depleted,â the USDA stated. âAt this time, no payments will be distributedâ on 1 November. Widespread Impact Over 40 million Americans rely on these food benefits, as reported by official statistics. In certain states, including New Mexico, use of this assistance is as high as a significant portion of citizens. Internal communications seen by a major news agency showed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits. Political Stalemate Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to support and resume the federal government. Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance. âIt could have, and should have made moves before now to make arrangements to access these resources,â the remarks concluded. âConversely, officials could opt out for potential political benefitâ as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to approve a funding package that would resume government operations. States Prepare Governors in two affected states issued emergency declarations recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of food benefits expiring next month.