McClellan Urges Extension of SNAP Replacement Authority

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) urged Congress to protect vulnerable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) families. In a letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Chair Andy Harris (MD-01) and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (GA-02), McClellan called for an extension to the SNAP benefit replacement authority. 

SNAP theft has increased every quarter in 2024 with the largest increase in the third quarter, when SNAP theft incidents increased by more than 100,000. In November 2024, residents of Virginia’s Fourth experienced a troubling increase in stolen SNAP benefits, with Richmond seeing a 2000% increase in reported cases of benefit theft. 

“SNAP families depend on these benefits to cover a significant portion of their monthly food budget, and losing them leads to devastating consequences. Many low-income households now face impossible choices between putting food on the table or paying essential bills. In some cases, parents skip meals to ensure their children have enough to eat,” wrote Congresswoman McClellan. “Indeed, local food pantries and non-profit organizations reported a steep uptick in demand for food assistance within their communities. While these organizations have stepped up to support their neighbors, they cannot address the crisis alone. 

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Congress authorized states to use federal funds to replace SNAP benefits stolen from participants through card skimming, card cloning, and other similar methods. Absent congressional action, this authority will end on December 20th when the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act of 2025 expires. 

“As local and state entities work to investigate theft incidents and replenish funds, Congress must do its part and extend the authority for SNAP benefit replacement,” continued Congresswoman McClellan. “Without this authority, families affected by theft and fraud later this month – and in the months to come – will be deprived of the assistance they deserve and face prolonged and unnecessary hardship.” 

McClellan spoke on the House floor to raise awareness of SNAP theft and reiterate her call to extend the authority and protect vulnerable families. McClellan cosponsors H.R. 205, the SNAP Theft Protection Act, to reimburse victims of food stamp theft. 

Read McClellan’s full letter here.