Senator Katie Britt co-sponsors a bipartisan bill to enhance SNAP card security with fraud-resistant chips, aiming to protect vulnerable families from theft.
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined a bipartisan effort focused on updating cybersecurity measures for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, EBT cards.
The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would require fraud-resistant chips on SNAP cards, replacing outdated magnetic stripes. Officials say the change is intended to prevent criminals from copying card information to steal benefits. The bill would also require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to review SNAP cybersecurity safeguards every five years.
“Families across our nation rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, but bad actors are able to duplicate cards and steal benefits from the most vulnerable,” said Senator Britt. “The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would update SNAP card technology and protect against cybersecurity threats that undermine the true purpose of this program.”
It would allow states to issue replacement SNAP cards within three days for recipients whose cards are lost, stolen, cloned, or malfunctioning. The legislation also includes support for vendors and merchants to update payment systems to accept chip-enabled cards.
Cosponsors include Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.). The bill is endorsed by organizations including the National Grocers Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, the Food Research & Action Center, and the American Heart Association.
Britt has previously supported SNAP-related legislation, including the Keep SNAP Funded Act, which would maintain SNAP funding during a government shutdown, and the Healthy SNAP Act, which would limit certain food purchases with SNAP benefits.
