WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing the SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act. This legislation will ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture has timely access, upon request from the Secretary of Agriculture to state-administered Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within the system. This follows reports of states like California refusing to comply with federal oversight and enforcement. The bill requires state agencies to provide recipient-level data and case file information upon request as a condition of participation in SNAP to strengthen program integrity and prevent fraud by reinforcing federal oversight authority.
“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.
“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.
Read full text of the bill here.
BACKGROUND:
Specifically, the SNAP Data Transparency and Oversight Act would:
- Require states to provide recipient-level data to the Secretary of Agriculture upon request. The data should be transmitted through secure online systems designated by the Secretary.
- Require the state agency to provide the data no later than 30 days after the request—unless otherwise stated by the Secretary.
- Prohibit states from receiving funds if a state fails to comply with the data request.
- Ensure that all data received is subject to privacy and security safeguards.
- Allow the Secretary to disclose the data received to federal or state law enforcement agencies for investigative and enforcement purposes.
MORE:
Tuberville Speaks with Trump USDA Nominees about Trade, Importance of Getting People off Government Assistance and Into Self-Sufficiency
Tuberville, Colleagues Push for Healthier Food Options for SNAP Participants
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
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