America is currently going through a severe economic and administrative crisis. Due to a shortage of funds in the government treasury and political deadlock, the government shutdown, which has been ongoing for the past 24 days, has now taken an unprecedented form. As a result, millions of government employees have become unemployed.
WASHINGTON: The ongoing government shutdown in the United States, often referred to as the world's largest economy, has shaken the country's social and economic fabric. This shutdown has now entered its 24th day and is considered the second-longest shutdown in American history. Millions of government employees are struggling without pay, long queues for free food are forming outside food banks, and children's education has even come to a halt.
Food Banks Overwhelmed, Hunger Crisis Worsens
In US states such as Maryland, California, Arizona, and Texas, thousands of people are seen waiting in line for hours outside food banks for free meals. With government employees' salaries halted and food assistance programs suspended, people are left without money to meet their daily needs.
Food banks are now collecting food through donations and charity, distributing it among the poor, homeless, and unemployed government employees. However, demand has increased so much that many food banks are experiencing food shortages. US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressed concern about the situation, stating, "Millions of families are in distress due to the shutdown. With food stamps and government assistance programs suspended, people are forced to go hungry."
SNAP Food Stamp Program Halted
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the US, commonly known as the food stamp program, provides monthly food assistance to approximately 40 million American citizens. However, due to the depletion of government funds, this program has completely stalled. Gina Plata-Nino, Director of SNAP services, stated, "Food banks are working beyond their capacity, but they cannot replace SNAP. Where a food bank feeds one person, SNAP provides food for nine."
She also added that helping those in need has become extremely difficult due to rising inflation and lack of funds. The shutdown has had the most profound impact on children's education and nutrition programs. The HeadStart Program, which operates for impoverished children in the US, has come to a halt due to a lack of government funding.
Under this program, the future of 65,000 impoverished children and thousands of teachers hangs in the balance. Many schools in the state of Missouri have temporarily closed their doors, and numerous teachers are forced to work without pay. Casey Lawson, Director of the HeadStart Program, said, "Our organization has had to temporarily close. Classes are now suspended in the schools where we used to assist over 2,300 children. This situation is dangerous for the future of these children."
Millions of Jobs Lost, Air Services Affected
Due to the shutdown, many government departments have had to lay off their employees. The National Nuclear Security Administration reported that 1,400 employees, who worked in the country's nuclear security facilities, have been dismissed. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated, "Our financial capacity has been exhausted. Government funds have run out, which is why we are being forced to send our employees home."
Airport services have also been directly affected. Dissatisfaction is growing among airline employees due to unpaid salaries, and over 6,000 flights are delayed daily. Many employees are now looking for alternative jobs, further impacting air traffic. The US military has also been hit by the shutdown. Thousands of personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines have had their salaries withheld. The Trump administration is attempting to use emergency funds for soldiers' salaries, but this is limited without congressional approval.
Surprisingly, President Donald Trump announced that an anonymous donor had sent a $130 million check for soldiers' salaries. Trump stated, "A friend of mine has privately donated to help the soldiers so that the salary crisis can end." Meanwhile, Germany has offered financial assistance of 58 million Euros (approximately 600 crore rupees) for the salaries of 12,000 US soldiers stationed there.
Political Conflict at the Root of the Crisis
This crisis began when President Trump's budget proposals were not approved by the US Congress. This led to a shortage of funds for the government, forcing several programs to be halted. The Trump administration is blaming the Democratic Party for this shutdown, while the opposition alleges that the President showed no flexibility for a compromise.
While hunger and queues at food banks have become a matter of concern in America, India, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, has provided free rations to 800 million citizens for several years. This is considered the world's largest social security program.
