Glenn Thompson: “This week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced and published a new rule that would address ``broad-based…”

“This week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced and published a new rule that would address ``broad-based categorical eligibility'' through the SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps. Under current law, SNAP recipients in dozens of States have been automatically enrolled into the program, despite not really demonstrating financial need; simply by receiving other minimal welfare services, even just receiving a pamphlet in the mail. Now, let me be clear that these changes--anyone who truly is economically distressed and eligible will continue to receive SNAP benefits. But through the loophole that has been in existence, some recipients were enrolled in the program without meeting its asset and income tests. The asset and income tests are critical metrics to ensure program integrity and prevent benefits from going to those who would not normally qualify or truly need the assistance. This new regulation attempts to fix this problem by limiting categorical eligibility for SNAP recipients only to those recipients who receive substantial welfare benefits, rather than nominal ones. As the former chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, I rise in strong support of this proposal. Enacting this rule will help address waste and abuse within SNAP, while encouraging the continued availability of the program for our friends in need who truly find themselves food insecure. ____________________”