Summary
Two new bills could change the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for millions of Americans. One bill aims to improve security for SNAP benefit cards, while the other seeks to include Puerto Rico fully in the program.
Key Facts
- Senator John Fetterman and other lawmakers propose two bills related to SNAP.
- The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act focuses on improving security for SNAP benefit cards to prevent theft and fraud.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General estimates that $555 million in SNAP funds are vulnerable to theft.
- The bill would require SNAP cards to have anti-fraud technology similar to credit cards.
- States would need to issue chip-enabled SNAP cards and stop using magnetic stripe cards within four years.
- The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would let Puerto Rico fully join SNAP, addressing food insecurity on the island.
- Over 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance.
- Around 1.4 million people in Puerto Rico depend on its current nutrition assistance program.
