Congressman Dave Taylor of Ohio announced on Mar. 19 that he has introduced the SNAP Fraud Reporting Act, a bill that would require states to submit data on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud from the past five fiscal years to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and continue reporting such data in the future. The legislation aims to protect taxpayer-funded benefits, uncover fraudulent distribution of SNAP funds, and improve transparency and oversight between state and federal agencies.
The issue is significant because SNAP is one of the largest federally funded programs but is administered at the state or county level, giving states broad authority with limited accountability over how funds are distributed. According to Congressman Taylor, “Hardworking Ohio families deserve to access the benefits they’ve earned during times of need, not have them siphoned away by fraudsters using deceased individuals’ social security numbers.” He added, “Under the Biden Administration, SNAP was riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse, and it’s time to put an end to the chaos. I’m proud to push for full transparency to protect these benefits for the vulnerable Buckeyes who need them most, and equip the USDA to hold states accountable to do the same.”
Several lawmakers joined as cosponsors of this legislation. Congressman Barry Moore said, “Americans deserve to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are not being wasted on fraud and abuse… By requiring states to report real data, we can expose the true scope of fraud, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure taxpayer dollars are protected.” Congresswoman Nancy Mace stated that “This legislation enforces real accountability by requiring states to report all SNAP fraud data to USDA… States refusing to comply risk losing their administrative funding. No more excuses. This is about transparency, protecting taxpayers, and making sure benefits go to Americans who truly need them, not criminals gaming the system.”
The bill comes after USDA Secretary Rollins directed states in February 2025 to share SNAP data; however, nearly a year later 21 states had not disclosed this information. In November last year initial data from 29 states showed that 200,000 people with deceased individuals’ social security numbers were receiving SNAP benefits.
If enacted into law, within 180 days each state would be required to submit detailed reports on various types of SNAP fraud—including cases involving deceased recipients or falsified social security numbers—to USDA. The department would then compile this information for Congress annually going forward. States failing to comply could face withholding of administrative funds.
Representative Paul Gosar said: “Taxpayers deserve straight answers… If you’re taking federal dollars, you owe the public transparency. This bill brings accountability back to the program and helps ensure benefits go to the right people—not fraudsters.” Representative Russell Fry added: “Every instance of fraud and overpayment in SNAP is money taken away from vulnerable Americans who depend on the program… Our bill holds states accountable…and ensures SNAP serves those it was intended to help.”
