Media Contact:
Colleen Barton
cbarton@frac.org
703-203-7843
Statement attributable to Crystal FitzSimons, Interim President, FRAC
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2024 – The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) is urging Congress to quickly pass a short-term bipartisan, bicameral Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds government programs through December 20. The vote is critical as the race to fund the government expires at the end of the current Fiscal Year, which is Sept. 30.
This bill includes a vital provision that would extend through December 20 current replacement benefits for stolen SNAP benefits. SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger, providing more than 41 million with the resources they need to put food on the table.
It is unconscionable that theft of SNAP benefits through skimming is not only happening, but it is also on the rise. With so many SNAP transactions taking place daily with the outdated technology of a swipe card, households with the lowest incomes have become one of the biggest targets for criminals. To date, at least 195,000 households have had over $94.7 million in SNAP benefits stolen from them by criminals who have installed devices on point-of-sale (POS) systems at SNAP participating locations that steal the EBT card data and PIN. This allows the criminal to clone the card and drain the benefits balance.
The federal government responded by offering replacement benefits to SNAP participants on a limited basis pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Without the passage of the Continuing Resolution, these replacement benefits will sunset on Sept. 30.
In addition to quick passage of the CR, Congress must find a permanent fix to address the skimming of SNAP benefits. This includes passing the bipartisan and bicameral Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act (H.R. 7585 and S. 3893) to enhance Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card security. FRAC also encourages Congress to support the permanent extension of replacement benefits and full replacement of stolen benefits to SNAP participants by co-sponsoring the Fairness for Victims of Skimming Act (H.R. 6005/S. 3089).
Action is needed now. Hungry people can’t wait.
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The Food Research & Action Center improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
