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USDA officials announced on Saturday that SNAP funds under one of the country’s largest social assistance programs won't be issued during the coming month because of the continuing federal government shutdown.

Shutdown Extends For Nearly Four Weeks

The federal closure lasted three and a half weeks when the announcement was made, which followed calls from over 200 Congressional Democrats pushing agriculture officials to tap into contingency funds to pay for next month's benefits.

“The reality is, resources are exhausted,” the department confirmed. “Now, assistance will not be provided” beginning in November.

Widespread Impact

Tens of millions of people rely on the regular assistance, according to official statistics. Various areas, such as New Mexico, dependence on this assistance is as high as 21% of residents.

A memo obtained by journalists revealed that the department decided against using emergency reserves to cover next month's assistance.

Partisan Impasse

Congressional leaders are still at odds about the way to fund and reopen federal agencies.

Remarks from the leader of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that federal leadership had opportunities to take earlier action to avoid interruption in payments.

“They had the ability and responsibility taken steps weeks ago to get ready to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Instead, it may choose not to use them to secure political leverage” as Republicans seek to push upper chamber Democrats to vote for a funding package that would reopen government operations.

States Prepare

Executives in two affected states activated emergency protocols this week to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.