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USDA officials announced on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems will not be distributed next month because of the continuing government funding lapse.

Shutdown Extends Into 25th Day

The funding lapse had reached three and a half weeks at the time of the statement, in response to appeals by more than two hundred House Democrats pushing the department to utilize emergency reserves to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Bottom line, resources are exhausted,” officials announced. “Currently, there will be no benefits issued” on 1 November.

National Consequences

Over 40 million Americans count on these food benefits, per official statistics. In certain states, such as one southwestern state, dependence on this assistance affects 21% of residents.

Internal communications seen by Reuters indicated that federal authorities decided against using reserve funds for the upcoming payments.

Political Stalemate

Congressional leaders continue to disagree about the way to support and resume the federal government.

A statement from the leader of a prominent policy organization noted that the White House had chances to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.

“It could have, and should have acted earlier to be prepared to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, officials could opt out for potential political benefit” as conservative leaders work to pressure Senate Democrats to support legislation that would resume the federal government.

Emergency Measures

State leaders from two affected states issued emergency declarations recently to free up resources to address food insecurity in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued next month.