Proposed SNAP Reforms Aim to Boost Security and Expand Access

Bills backed by Senator Fetterman would improve cybersecurity and include Puerto Rico in the federal food assistance program

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Two new bills proposed in Congress would make significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would mandate updates to SNAP card security to combat fraud, while the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would allow Puerto Rico to fully participate in SNAP rather than its current limited program. Both bills are backed by Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

Why it matters

SNAP provides critical food assistance to over 40 million Americans, around 12% of the population. In Puerto Rico, over 40% of the population relies on the territory's version of SNAP, called NAP. These proposed reforms aim to protect SNAP recipients from fraud and theft, while also expanding access to the federal program in Puerto Rico.

The details

The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would require the USDA to update its cybersecurity regulations for SNAP, including mandating anti-fraud chip technology on cards and securing online transactions. States would also have to issue chip-enabled cards and provide quick replacements for stolen or malfunctioning cards. The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would allow Puerto Rico to fully participate in SNAP rather than its limited NAP program. This would provide more funding and automatic disaster assistance, addressing longstanding inequities for U.S. citizens in the territory.

  • The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act and Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act were both recently proposed in Congress.
  • If passed, the cybersecurity bill would require new SNAP card regulations within 2 years and the phase-out of magnetic stripe cards within 4 years.

The players

John Fetterman

Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania who has backed both the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act and the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act.

Ron Wyden

Democratic Senator from Oregon who is co-sponsoring the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Democratic Senator from New York who is leading the charge on the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act.

Charlotte Gossett Navarro

Puerto Rico Chief Director for Hispanic Federation, an advocacy group supporting the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act.

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What they’re saying

“SNAP is a critical lifeline for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians. We should be delivering help to those who need it, and that includes protecting them from criminals.”

— John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

“Cybersecurity shouldn't depend on income or zip code. It's time to overhaul this two-tier system that leaves families in need even more vulnerable with outdated technology. I'm all in to get this legislation across the finish line and ensure no hungry family has to lose sleep over their food assistance being stolen.”

— Ron Wyden, U.S. Senator

“Puerto Rico's exclusion from SNAP has needlessly punished Puerto Ricans, ripping away essential nutrition benefits and billions of dollars in funding to the island. The vital Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would correct this injustice by enabling Puerto Ricans to participate in SNAP and receive Disaster SNAP in the wake of natural disasters and other emergencies.”

— Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator

“For more than four decades, American families in Puerto Rico have endured unequal treatment in federal nutrition assistance programs, resulting in hundreds of thousands of families going hungry as nutrition assistance fails to keep pace with the growing costs of groceries.”

— Charlotte Gossett Navarro, Puerto Rico Chief Director, Hispanic Federation

What’s next

Wider adoption and support in Congress will be necessary to get the bills fully passed. There are also concerns that transitioning Puerto Rico from its more flexible NAP program to the national SNAP rules could create new administrative burdens for households.

The takeaway

These proposed SNAP reforms aim to both strengthen the security of the program against fraud and theft, as well as expand access to the critical food assistance in Puerto Rico. If passed, they could have a significant impact on millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits.