U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman and U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson have addressed concerns regarding the FY 2024 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate. They released a joint statement highlighting what they see as deficiencies in state accountability measures for SNAP.
Boozman and Thompson expressed dissatisfaction with the current system, stating: "Another year, another troubling payment error rate in SNAP, a clear sign that the program lacks the state accountability measures hardworking taxpayers deserve. The status quo, slap-on-the-wrist penalties from USDA have failed at maintaining program integrity in SNAP."
They advocate for the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill to implement reforms aimed at improving state oversight of SNAP benefits. The bill proposes that states share some costs associated with their SNAP error rates to encourage more diligent administration of the program.
"For too long," according to background information provided by Boozman and Thompson's offices, "states have had little incentive to properly administer their SNAP programs, knowing that the federal government would pay for 100 percent of the SNAP benefit regardless of their performance." The proposed legislation aims to change this by creating "long-overdue accountability," which they believe will lead to better oversight and reduced waste.
The proposed changes are intended not only to improve outcomes for taxpayers but also for those who rely on SNAP assistance.
