Rockland Reporter

Victims of food stamp theft will continue to receive reimbursements, thanks to a provision in a stop-gap funding bill secured by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 (H.R. 9747) passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with a vote of 341-82, ensuring government funding and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through December 20, 2024. The bill is expected to be taken up in the U.S. Senate shortly.

Last month, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Anthony D’Esposito (R-Y-04), Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) and Grace Meng (D-NY-06) sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to allow victims of SNAP theft to continue being reimbursed from federal and state funds.

Reports of SNAP theft involving skimming devices used to steal benefits distributed on electronic debit cards have been increasing nationwide. States are currently required to replace stolen benefits under a measure included in the 2023 omnibus funding bill passed at the end of 2022, but that provision was set to expire on September 30.

"Ensuring that SNAP recipients who have their benefits stolen are made whole is a top priority and is deeply important to New York families," said Congressman Mike Lawler. "That’s why I joined colleagues in both parties and chambers to introduce the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act to protect these programs from fraud, and it’s why I have been adamant about the need to include SNAP protections in FY25’s appropriations."

"I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who recognize the dire straits that SNAP theft leaves its victims," said Congressman Ruppersberger. "While Congress continues to work toward its long-term spending bills, I am relieved these innocent constituents will not lose their primary source of healthy food."

"I was proud to join this bipartisan group urging congressional leaders to prevent critical SNAP theft reimbursements from ending," said Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer. "I’m glad our message was heard and an extension was included in this stopgap funding bill."

"I am proud to have helped secure an extension allowing states to use existing federal funding to reimburse vulnerable victims of SNAP theft," said Congressman Dan Goldman. "SNAP theft can be devastating for working families, and these reimbursements are crucial lifelines."

"Families relying on SNAP should never go hungry due to stolen benefits," said Congresswoman Grace Meng. "I’ve fought hard for over 36,000 New Yorkers recovering more than $17.5 million in stolen benefits."

"It is appalling that Americans are targeted at record rates for major SNAP benefit theft," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "Our letter represented a unified effort across political lines for justice."

"Because of our bipartisan push, victims will continue being protected through the SNAP Reimbursement Extension," said Congressman Marc Molinaro.

"Thousands depend on SNAP for food security," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. "This reimbursement provision safeguards program integrity and ensures quick recovery for victims."

"SNAP recipients whose benefits were stolen should not be left without support by an indifferent government," said Congressman Jim McGovern.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, covering parts north of New York City including Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.