"More than 40 million Americans will soon be without federal food assistance. The Trump administration says there will be no money for SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will not use emergency funds to address this situation. The White House is placing blame on Democrats for this outcome, similar to its approach with various other issues related to the shutdown over the past month."
"Some budget experts suggest that lawmakers should use the nearly $6 billion in contingency fund accounts to fund the benefits, NPR's Stephen Fowler tells Up First. The USDA released a memo Friday stating it is currently illegal to use these contingency funds to pay for benefits. The administration argues that emergency money can only be used as a supplement when there are regularly appropriated benefits available, but due to the shutdown, there are none."
More than 40 million Americans will soon lose federal food assistance when SNAP benefits run out on Nov. 1 because the U.S. Department of Agriculture will not use emergency funds. Some budget experts urge use of nearly $6 billion in contingency accounts to cover benefits, but a USDA memo states it is currently illegal to tap those funds. The administration contends emergency money is only a supplement when regular appropriations exist. President Trump visited Japan, met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, signed a rare earth minerals agreement, accepted a gift of 250 cherry trees, and is traveling to South Korea to meet Xi Jinping.
Read at www.npr.org
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