H.R.2983 - Original Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Safeguarding Eligible Clients Under Reimbursement Enforcement Act of 2025; SNAP SECURE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2983, the SNAP SECURE Act of 2025, aims to compensate victims of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit theft. The bill amends Section 501(b)(2)(C) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, extending the reinstatement of funding for SNAP benefit replacement through 2034. This extension ensures continued support for individuals whose SNAP benefits are stolen.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Green of Texas and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
This legislative action seeks to provide financial relief to SNAP recipients who have experienced theft of their benefits, addressing a critical need for vulnerable populations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is the continuation of funding for the replacement of stolen SNAP benefits. This will allow states to reimburse individuals who have had their benefits stolen through no fault of their own.
Without this extension, the funding would have expired in 2024, potentially leaving victims without recourse.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial assistance to SNAP recipients who have had their benefits stolen.
- Extends the availability of funds for benefit replacement through 2034, offering long-term security.
- Helps to mitigate the impact of benefit theft on vulnerable populations.
- Reinforces the integrity of the SNAP program by addressing fraud and theft.
- Could reduce food insecurity among SNAP recipients who are victims of theft.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase administrative burden on state agencies responsible for processing benefit replacement claims.
- Could potentially create opportunities for fraudulent claims, requiring robust verification processes.
- The bill itself does not allocate new funds, it extends existing authorization, meaning it relies on existing appropriations.
- The long-term financial impact on the SNAP program is not explicitly addressed in the bill.
- There may be a need for increased oversight to prevent abuse of the benefit replacement system.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide assistance to vulnerable populations and ensure food security. The General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill focuses on the administration and funding of an existing social program.
However, the constitutionality of federal spending programs is sometimes debated, and some may argue about the extent to which such programs align with the original intent of the General Welfare Clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).