Keystone Today

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) issued a statement regarding the FY 2023 SNAP Payment Error Rate.

"While SNAP is a critical nutrition program for households in need, any level of erroneous payments is a misuse of taxpayer dollars. Today we learned that, with more than $10 billion in overpayments in 2023, the level of erroneous payments remains shockingly high. We are far removed from the pandemic, and it should no longer be used as a crutch," the statement read.

The lawmakers emphasized that states must improve their administration of SNAP but noted that the USDA holds ultimate responsibility for the program. "Secretary Vilsack needs to step up to the plate and stop making excuses for states that carelessly mishandle taxpayer dollars. USDA must intensify their oversight of states and stop distancing themselves from the administration of SNAP," they stated.

Thompson and Boozman affirmed their readiness to ensure that future legislation addresses these issues: "House and Senate Republicans stand ready to ensure the next farm bill takes steps to mitigate these occurrences, restore program integrity, and hold states accountable for exploiting the generosity of the American taxpayer."