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The United States Department of Agriculture stated on Saturday that nutrition assistance payments from a major federal social assistance programs will not be distributed in November amid the persistent federal government shutdown.

Impasse Persists Into 25th Day

The funding lapse was in nearly a month as officials revealed the news, in response to calls from over 200 House Democrats pushing the USDA to utilize emergency reserves to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Currently, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.

Millions Affected

More than 41 million individuals rely on these monthly payments, per the USDA. Various areas, like one southwestern state, dependence on SNAP affects a significant portion of citizens.

Documents reviewed by a major news agency indicated that federal authorities would not access emergency reserves for November food benefits.

Legislative Deadlock

Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree about the way to fund and reopen government operations.

Comments by the leader of a budget research center suggested that federal leadership could have acted to prepare in advance to avoid interruption in payments.

“They had the ability and responsibility acted weeks ago to make arrangements to use these funds,” the statement continued. “Conversely, they might decide against it to secure political leverage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to influence Democratic senators to support a funding package to restart government operations.

Emergency Measures

State leaders from multiple regions activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to address food insecurity in anticipation of SNAP benefits not being issued in November.