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Government — SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — Jennifer McClellan — Consolidated Appropriations Act — Federal Government — Eastern Henrico

McClellan urges extension of law permitting states to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits

,   and  Citizen Staff Reports
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Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-4th District) is urging Congress to extend the authority for states to replace stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. In a letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Andy Harris (MD) and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (GA), McClellan emphasized the urgent need to protect vulnerable families facing a surge in SNAP theft.

SNAP theft has been steadily increasing every quarter in 2024, reaching a peak in the third quarter with more than 100,000 new incidents, according to federal data. In November, Virginia's Fourth District (which includes Eastern Henrico) experienced a particularly alarming spike, McClellan wrote, with reported cases of benefit theft skyrocketing by 2000%.

"SNAP families depend on these benefits to cover a significant portion of their monthly food budget, and losing them leads to devastating consequences," McClellan wrote. She highlighted the difficult choices faced by low-income households, who may have to choose between paying essential bills or putting food on the table. She also noted the increased demand for food assistance reported by local food pantries and non-profit organizations, which are struggling to meet the growing need.

Currently, states are able to use federal funds to replace SNAP benefits that have been stolen through various methods like card skimming and cloning, thanks to a provision in the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. But that authority is set to expire Dec. 20, unless Congress acts to extend it.

"Without this authority, families affected by theft and fraud later this month – and in the months to come – will be deprived of the assistance they deserve and face prolonged and unnecessary hardship," McClellan wrote.

In addition to her letter, McClellan took the floor of the House to raise awareness about the issue and reiterate her call for action. She also is a cosponsor of H.R. 205, the SNAP Theft Protection Act, which aims to provide reimbursement for victims of food stamp theft.