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Federal agriculture authorities announced recently that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national support systems are not going out next month amid the persistent federal closure.

Closure Continues Into 25th Day

The government shutdown was in nearly a month when the announcement was made, which followed appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats asking agriculture officials to utilize reserve accounts to fund November's food assistance.

“The reality is, the well has run dry,” officials announced. “Now, there will be no benefits issued” beginning in November.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, as reported by federal data. In certain states, including one southwestern state, reliance on this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.

A memo obtained by journalists indicated that the department decided against using emergency reserves for November food benefits.

Political Stalemate

Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked regarding how to fund and reopen the federal government.

Comments by the leader of a budget research center suggested that the administration had opportunities to act sooner to ensure continuous assistance.

“It could have, and should have made moves earlier to make arrangements to use these funds,” the comments added. “Conversely, it may choose not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage” as Republicans seek to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package that would resume government operations.

Local Responses

Executives in two affected states declared states of emergency recently to allocate funds to combat potential hunger in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued during the upcoming period.