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The United States Department of Agriculture stated this past weekend that nutrition assistance payments through a critical national social assistance programs won't be issued next month amid the persistent government funding lapse.

Shutdown Extends Through Its Third Week

The government shutdown had reached three and a half weeks as officials revealed the news, which followed calls from over 200 House Democrats urging the department to tap into reserve accounts to fund the upcoming nutrition payments.

“Ultimately, the well has run dry,” the USDA stated. “Now, no payments will be distributed” beginning in November.

Millions Affected

Tens of millions of people count on these monthly payments, per federal data. Some regions, like one southwestern state, reliance on the program reaches 21% of residents.

Documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that the department chose not to tap emergency reserves for November food benefits.

Political Stalemate

Congressional leaders remain deadlocked over how to fund and reopen the federal government.

Comments by the director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicated that the administration had chances to act sooner to prevent benefits from running out.

“They had the ability and responsibility acted before now to get ready to access these resources,” the statement continued. “Rather, they might decide against it in an effort to gain political advantage” while GOP lawmakers attempt to pressure Senate Democrats to vote for a spending bill that would resume federal functions.

Emergency Measures

State leaders from multiple regions declared states of emergency in recent days to make money available to combat potential hunger in anticipation of nutrition assistance payments stopping in November.