In a significant move to address concerns over fraudulent activities within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) Act on Thursday. The proposed legislation calls for the implementation of photo identification on all Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to prevent unauthorized use and guarantee that assistance is delivered to those who genuinely require it.
The urgency of such reforms is underscored by recent statistics. In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, states reported a staggering 226,000 fraudulent claims and 691,000 unauthorized transactions across the nation, including 4,209 instances of stolen benefits in South Carolina alone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has estimated that over $1 billion in benefits have been improperly paid out in recent years due to errors and fraud.
The FAIR Act is being hailed by its proponents as a common-sense measure to safeguard taxpayer dollars and strengthen the integrity of the SNAP program. Rep. Mace, in a statement, expressed the sentiment of many taxpayers who are frustrated with the misuse of their hard-earned money. “This isn’t complicated—if you’re eligible for SNAP, your photo goes on the card and you’re the only one who uses it,” she asserted.
The bill outlines specific provisions, including the requirement of photo IDs for all SNAP EBT cards, restricting redemption strictly to the cardholder, and allowing for additional verified cards for households with multiple authorized users. It also mandates that retailers confirm the cardholder’s photo at the point of sale, adding another layer of verification.
Understanding the potential impact on vulnerable populations, the legislation has been designed with accommodations for minors, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can still access benefits without undue hardship.
This initiative follows in the footsteps of states like Massachusetts, which have already implemented photo ID verification for SNAP benefits, providing a model for national adoption. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) audit revealed that most SNAP fraud resulted from improper verification of eligibility, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced controls.
The FAIR Act allows for a structured rollout, giving the USDA 18 months to update policies and issue regulations. This timeline is intended to facilitate a smooth transition for states to adapt to the new requirements. “There are real people that have real needs, and by addressing fraud, we can actually provide more benefits to the most vulnerable,” Rep. Mace commented, highlighting the dual goals of efficiency and fairness.
The bill aligns with federal efforts to reduce SNAP fraud that began under the Trump administration. By instituting photo verification and stricter redemption rules, the aim is to protect taxpayer funds while ensuring that benefits are allocated only to eligible households.
Rep. Mace has likened the ID requirement for SNAP to everyday practices, such as buying alcohol or renting a property, arguing that if identification is needed for these activities, it should also be required for accessing SNAP benefits. She believes the FAIR Act could mark the beginning of broader reforms to combat fraud in federal food assistance programs.
With the FAIR Act now in the House, Rep. Mace seeks to hold the system accountable and ensure that food assistance is directed solely towards those who truly qualify. The introduction of the FAIR Act is a step towards greater integrity and responsibility in the management of SNAP benefits.
