SNAP Benefits In Danger If Gov't Shutdown Continues

 From ABC News, "What to know about SNAP benefits amid government shutdown." An excerpt:

    The federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food and is run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

    In a letter to state health officials obtained by ABC News, Ronald Ward -- the acting head of SNAP -- said the program that millions of low-income Americans rely on "has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October."

    He added, "If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation."

Newsweek adds:

While SNAP is considered a mandatory program — meaning people who qualify are legally entitled to benefits — the money to pay those benefits must still be appropriated by lawmakers. If Congress fails to pass a budget or a continuing resolution, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) may not have the authority or funding to keep benefits flowing beyond what has already been allocated. 

And:

Typically, states submit information on eligible households’ SNAP benefits to their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) vendors every month. However, the USDA has instructed states to hold off on sending that data "until further notice," according to a letter sent to state agencies from Ronald Ward, the acting associate administrator of SNAP. 

Just remember that the shutdown is because Democrats are insisting on free healthcare for illegal aliens. Typical of Democrats that they place the welfare of illegals above that of actual Americans because, for them, it is all about power.