Millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance could face benefit delays if Congress does not break its budget stalemate.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter on Oct. 10 to all regional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) directors and state agency directors warning that funds for SNAP, also known as food stamps, will run out after October if lawmakers don't approve a new spending bill.

"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," the letter reads.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has told all states to hold off on sending out November benefit files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors unti

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