Pulaski Times

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) and U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) released 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," they stated.

The lawmakers emphasized the need for better administration at both state and federal levels. "States must get a better handle on the administration of SNAP, but USDA is the ultimate arbiter of this 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 concluded by affirming their commitment to addressing these issues through legislative measures: "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."