Shutdown pain deepens as key US programs run out of cash

Several federal programs that help civilians are set to expire on November 1. As the government shutdown continues, many will halt due to a lack of funding.

With President Donald Trump on his Asia tour and Congress deadlocked over the spending package, programs that feed families, educate children, and connect rural towns are about to run out of money.

The SNAP food aid for 40 million people will start running out on Saturday, with 25 states preparing to halt benefits. The administration has $5 billion left, while it needs $9 billion to run through November. The government recently announced that it would not move money around to fund the program further.

Some of the Head Start education programs serving 59,000 children in 41 states and Puerto Rico will lose funding.

The WIC nutrition assistance serving 7 million low-income mothers and babies will need $300 million to continue.

The Essential Air Service, which subsidizes rural flights, will run out of funds too, despite the $42 million lifeline earlier this month.

In addition to the above programs, federal workers, including House staff, military members, and air traffic controllers, will start missing pay on Friday.

President Trump had used $6.5 billion in research funds earlier to cover troops, but analysts say he may struggle to do so again. Senate leaders warn that things are about to get worse and push millions of Americans into hardship next month.