Congress Proposes Chip-Enabled SNAP Cards to Combat Benefit Theft

New bill would require anti-fraud technology and faster card replacement for stolen benefits.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lawmakers have introduced legislation to require chip-enabled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cards and stronger cybersecurity rules after a rise in theft of food benefits nationwide. The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would direct the USDA to update security regulations so SNAP cards use anti-fraud technology that resists cloning and secures online transactions, bringing standards in line with credit and debit cards.

Why it matters

SNAP benefits are dispensed to about 41 million recipients across the country through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to buy groceries. Lawmakers cited growing SNAP theft by skimming and cloning of magnetic-stripe cards, with an inspector general projection that hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits are potentially at risk without upgraded security.

The details

The bill would require states to begin issuing chip-enabled SNAP cards within two years of the updated USDA regulations, stop issuing new magnetic-stripe cards within four years, and reissue all remaining magnetic-stripe cards as chip-only within five years. It would also require states to provide no-fee replacement cards within three days for families whose cards were stolen, cloned or malfunctioning, and offer accessible account-management options.

  • The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act was introduced in Congress this week.
  • If passed, the USDA will issue updated regulations and timelines for states to begin issuing chip-enabled cards and phasing out magnetic stripes.

The players

Ron Wyden

Democratic Senator from Oregon, one of the bill's sponsors.

John Fetterman

Democratic Senator from Pennsylvania, one of the bill's sponsors.

Bill Cassidy

Republican Senator from Louisiana, one of the bill's sponsors.

Dan Goldman

Democratic Representative from New York, leading the House effort on the bill.

Mike Lawler

Republican Representative from New York, leading the House effort on the bill.

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What they’re saying

“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 It's time to overhaul this two-tier system that leaves families in need even more vulnerable with outdated technology.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, Democratic Senator (News release)

“SNAP benefits are a lifeline for thousands of families across the Hudson Valley, and we have a responsibility to ensure those benefits are protected from fraud and theft. By modernizing EBT cards with secure chip technology, the SNAP system will be brought up to the same security standards Americans expect from their banks. Protecting these benefits means protecting working families, seniors, and small businesses who rely on them every day.”

— Mike Lawler, Republican Representative (News release)

What’s next

Congress is set to debate the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act. If passed, USDA will issue updated regulations and timelines for states to begin issuing chip-enabled cards and phasing out magnetic stripes.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to strengthen the security of SNAP benefits by requiring chip-enabled EBT cards, which would bring the program's anti-fraud technology in line with credit and debit cards. The goal is to protect vulnerable families from having their food assistance stolen, while also supporting small grocers and food providers in upgrading their payment systems.