U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., has joined U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., in introducing new legislation aimed at increasing federal oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The proposal, called the SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act, would require states to provide recipient-level data and case file information to the U.S. Department of Agriculture upon request from the Secretary of Agriculture. Lawmakers say the goal is to combat waste, fraud and abuse within the SNAP system.
The bill follows reports that some states, including California, have declined to fully comply with federal oversight and enforcement efforts.
Under the legislation, states would be required to submit the requested data through secure online systems within 30 days, unless otherwise directed by the Secretary. States that fail to comply could lose access to federal SNAP funding.
“I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins’ efforts to cut out waste, fraud, and abuse from the SNAP system. It’s important that we ensure these taxpayer-funded benefits are going to those who truly need them. I’m proud to join my good friend Senator Rick Scott in this legislation to create more transparency and accountability when it comes to SNAP enforcement,” said Sen. Tuberville.
Sen. Scott said stronger oversight is needed to protect taxpayer dollars.
“The American people are sick and tired of seeing their tax dollars, intended for critical programs like SNAP, completely wasted and abused instead of being used to help families in need. Even worse, Democrat-run states like California seem totally fine with being complicit in the fraud instead of allowing the federal government necessary oversight to address it. That should end now. My bill requires states to provide the necessary data for stronger oversight and accountability, so we do not allow bureaucracy or political agendas to stand in the way of preventing fraud and protecting taxpayer funds,” said Sen. Scott.
In addition to data-sharing requirements, the measure includes privacy and security safeguards for information provided to the federal government. It would also allow the Secretary of Agriculture to share relevant data with federal or state law enforcement agencies for investigative and enforcement purposes.
The bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and will now move through the legislative process.
