WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is rejecting the idea of using about $5 billion in emergency funds to: keep food aid flowing In the middle of November government shutdownAccording to a Department of Agriculture memo revealed Friday. The memo says states that temporarily cover the cost of next month’s benefits will not be reimbursed.
Democratic lawmakers and various advocacy groups are calling on the administration to tap into reserve funds to provide partial benefits through November through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP.
However, the two-page document states that “emergency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits.”
The possibility of losing SNAP benefits as a result of the government shutdown is a major concern in states. Lawmakers from both political parties are blaming the other for the difficulties that will ensue. The program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.
The document states that the contingency fund is set aside for purposes such as supporting individuals in disaster-stricken areas. The report cited Tropical Storm Melissa, which has the potential to become a major hurricane within days, as an example of why it is important to have funds available to mobilize quickly in the event of a disaster. The document was obtained by The Associated Press and first reported by Axios.
The document blames Democrats for the government shutdown that began Oct. 1 and says November’s SNAP benefits will be paid on time “unless Congressional Democrats block government funding.”
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Friday that the administration has the resources to ensure that no American goes hungry on November 1st. He accused Republicans of trying to “weaponize hunger,” which he called unconscionable.
Meanwhile, Democrats in both the House and Senate sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging her to tap into reserve funds to cover the bulk of November’s benefits.
“Choosing not to ensure that SNAP benefits reach those in need this November constitutes a gross dereliction of our responsibility to the American people,” said a letter sent Friday by 214 House Democrats.
The department’s latest guidance on contingency funds appears to contrast in some ways with the department’s 55-page plan for operations during a shutdown. The plan said it was clear Congress intended for SNAP to continue operating because the program has a multi-year reserve fund to cover state administrative costs and pay participant benefits in the event of a funding shortfall during a fiscal year.
The department’s guidance, released Friday, says reserve funds are not available to support benefits in the current budget year because “regular benefit appropriations no longer exist.”
The government shutdown began after the Senate failed to pass a short-term measure to fund the government. The current impasse is the second longest on record. The administration took steps ahead of the shutdown to ensure SNAP benefits are paid in October, and states and lawmakers are seeking guidance from the administration on what to do next month.
The SNAP program is administered by the state. Officials from Louisiana, Vermont and Virginia pledged Thursday will continue to provide food assistance to recipients in states even if the federal program is halted due to the government shutdown. Other states are also considering using their own funding to advance the program, but have run into technical hurdles.
Some states are telling SNAP recipients to prepare for their benefits to be cut off. For example, the state of Arkansas is advising eligible people to identify food pantries and other organizations that may be able to help, and to ask friends and family for assistance.
