Gilbert Gutknecht: “For the first time now in 20 years, all paper food stamps are being replaced with electronic benefits. Mr. Speaker…”

“For the first time now in 20 years, all paper food stamps are being replaced with electronic benefits. Mr. Speaker, today, I joined Secretary Veneman at a ceremony to announce the completion of a decades-old project. Thanks to the commitment of Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, financial institutions, retail outlets, and State and local agencies, our Nation's Food Stamp Program now issues benefits completely electronically. Through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), the program moves into the 21st century, allowing over 20 million food stamp recipients to shop at over 145,000 businesses more efficiently than ever. The Food Stamp Program now runs completely on an electronic-based system. Using the same technology as most debit card systems, recipients carry a plastic card secured with a Personal Identification Number. Service is improved for clients and accountability for purchases is ensured. In addition, it reduces administrative costs allowing more funds to be channeled into food purchases rather than printing, shipping, counting, endorsing, and destroying coupons.”