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In a recent development, the Trump administration has opted not to utilize approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to extend food aid into November amidst the ongoing government shutdown. This decision, outlined in a Department of Agriculture memo unveiled on Friday, indicates that states stepping in to cover next month’s benefits will not receive reimbursement.
Democratic legislators and advocacy groups have been urging the administration to tap into the contingency fund to continue providing partial benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) into November.
However, the memo clearly states that “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits,” thereby dismissing the possibility of using these funds for SNAP benefits.
The potential cessation of SNAP benefits due to the shutdown has sparked considerable concern across states, with lawmakers from both parties pointing fingers at each other for the looming crisis. SNAP plays a crucial role, assisting about 1 in 8 Americans with their grocery needs.
The document further explains that the contingency fund is intended for emergencies, such as aiding individuals in disaster-stricken areas. It cites Tropical Storm Melissa, which may soon escalate into a significant hurricane, as an example of why it is essential to have funds ready for swift mobilization in disaster situations. This document was initially reported by Axios, following its acquisition by The Associated Press.
SEE ALSO | Nearly 2 million Illinoisans set to lose SNAP benefits amid congressional stalemate
The document blames Democrats for the government shutdown that began Oct. 1 and states that November SNAP benefits would be paid on time “if not for Congressional Democrats blocking government funding.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries earlier Friday told reporters the administration has the resources to ensure than not a single American goes hungry on Nov. 1. He accused Republicans of “trying to weaponize hunger” and called it unconscionable. In a statement later Friday he said it would be a “disgusting dereliction of duty” to halt the food assistance.
Meanwhile, Democrats in the House and Senate have written Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting that she use the contingency fund to cover the bulk of November benefits.
“Choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people,” said a letter sent Friday by 214 House Democrats.
The latest department guidance on the contingency fund appears to contrast in some respects with the department’s 55-page plan for operations in the event of a shutdown. That plan stated that it’s evident Congress has intended for SNAP operations to continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds to cover state administrative expenses and to pay for participant benefits should a funding lapse occur in the middle of the fiscal year.
The department guidance that surfaced Friday says the contingency fund is not available to support the current budget year’s benefits because “the appropriations for regular benefits no longer exists.”
The shutdown began when a short-term measure to fund the government failed to advance in the Senate. The current impasse is now the second-longest on record. The administration took steps leading up to the shutdown to ensure SNAP benefits were paid in October, with states and lawmakers looking for guidance from the administration for what would happen next month.
The SNAP program is administered by the states. Officials in Louisiana, Vermont and Virginia pledged Thursday to keep food aid flowing to recipients in their states, even if the federal program is stalled because of the shutdown. Other states have explored using their own funds to prop up the program but have run into technical roadblocks.
Some states have been telling SNAP recipients to be ready for the benefits to stop. Arkansas, for example, is advising recipients to identify food pantries and other groups that might be able to help, and to ask friends and family for aid.
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