SAIPAN — In a video update posted Wednesday morning, CNMI Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the U.S. Department of Agriculture will disburse $150 million to the territories for the Nutritional Assistance Program, covering roughly half of November benefits.
King-Hinds said the administration is tapping a $5 billion contingency fund, short of the $9 billion needed to fully cover the month during the federal shutdown.
She cautioned that benefits may not appear immediately as agencies navigate reduced staffing and special procedures, and asked the public to give NAP staff grace while the new EBT system settles in.
Bottom line: Expect about 50% of November NAP benefits for now, with timing dependent on shutdown dynamics.
