MENG AND FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE BILL TO END STOLEN SNAP BENEFITS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) announced the introduction of their Ending Stolen SNAP Benefits Act (H.R.9359), a bipartisan bill that would make sure Americans don't go hungry through no fault of their own by helping states upgrading their EBT card security and allowing the federal government to reissue stolen SNAP benefits.

This legislation was introduced in response to the rise in SNAP theft taking place across the country. The stealing of SNAP benefits is a nationwide problem. Criminals steal benefits through a practice known as "skimming," where devices placed at checkout terminals capture EBT card numbers and PINs, allowing thieves to drain accounts. Because many EBT cards lack modern security features found in credit cards, like chips, they are especially vulnerable.

In response to skimming, states including New York, Oklahoma, and California have begun issuing new EBT cards with upgraded security measures. California reported an 83% reduction in EBT benefits theft as a result. However, upgrading EBT cards is expensive. The Ending Stolen SNAP Benefits Act will help states cover certain administrative costs associated with EBT card upgrades, getting more secure EBT cards to more beneficiaries more quickly, reducing stolen benefits and ensuring Americans don't go hungry through no fault of their own.

Since the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service began tracking stolen SNAP benefits in 2023, every state, along with Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, has reported stolen benefits. More than $360 million in SNAP funds has been verified stolen and reissued, with over 768,000 claims approved. In New York State alone, more than 165,000 claims have been filed and $51.7 million in stolen benefits have been replaced.

The Ending Stolen SNAP Benefits Act would create a permanent federal solution by:

• Providing new authority for the federal government to reissue stolen SNAP benefits.
• Providing federal cost-share dollars to help states upgrade to secure EBT cards with chip technology.
• Increasing accountability by requiring reporting to Congress on progress, challenges, and the total value of benefits replaced.

"SNAP is a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers and millions of people nationwide, and stealing these benefits from hungry families is unacceptable," said Congresswoman Meng. "I've helped thousands of New Yorkers recover millions in stolen SNAP benefits, but scammers are still targeting our communities. This bill creates a lasting federal fix to replace stolen benefits and strengthen EBT card security. I'm proud to work across the aisle, so no one who depends on SNAP to put food on the table goes hungry because their benefits were stolen by criminals."

"No mother or father should reach the checkout line and learn that the benefits meant to feed their family have vanished through no fault of their own," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "That is not merely a financial loss; it is a failure of the system to protect the people who rely on it. Our bipartisan bill meets that failure with common sense and accountability: restore what was stolen, secure vulnerable EBT cards, and prevent criminals from taking food off a family's table. A safety net must be both compassionate in purpose and secure in practice."

This legislation is supported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) and Food Research & Action Center (FRAC).

A copy can be viewed here.