Exclusive: USDA says it can't use emergency funds for food stamps

The Agriculture Department says it can't use contingency funds to pay for food stamps during the government shutdown — and that states won't be reimbursed if they cover the expenses on their own, according to a new memo obtained by Axios.

Why it matters: Starting next month, about 42 million low-income people won't get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if Congress doesn't agree to a deal to fund and reopen government...