Senator Katie Britt Joins Bipartisan Push to Strengthen SNAP Card Cybersecurity

April 8, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R‑Ala.) has joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers backing new legislation to combat a growing form of fraud targeting families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill, known as the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act, aims to modernize the technology behind SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and protect recipients from "skimming" attacks.

Skimming occurs when criminals use hidden devices to steal card information from magnetic‑stripe readers. Thieves then clone the cards and drain victims' benefits - often before families even realize the funds are gone. The problem has surged nationwide in recent years, prompting calls for stronger federal safeguards.

Modernizing SNAP Cards to Prevent Fraud

The legislation would require SNAP cards to transition from traditional magnetic stripes to fraud‑resistant chip technology, similar to the security upgrades implemented across the banking and retail sectors. The bill also directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to review and update cybersecurity protections every five years, ensuring the program keeps pace with evolving threats.

"Families across our nation rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table, but bad actors are able to duplicate cards and steal benefits from the most vulnerable," Senator Britt said in a statement. "The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act would update SNAP card technology and protect against cybersecurity threats that undermine the true purpose of this program."

Faster Replacement Cards and Support for Merchants

Beyond upgrading card security, the bill includes several provisions designed to reduce the impact on victims and ease the transition for retailers:

• States would be required to issue replacement cards within three days when a SNAP card is stolen, cloned, or malfunctions.

• Eligible merchants would receive support to update their payment systems so they can accept chip‑enabled SNAP cards.

• The USDA would oversee implementation to ensure states and retailers adopt the new standards smoothly.

Broad Bipartisan and Industry Support

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D‑Ore.), Andy Kim (D‑N.J.), Dave McCormick (R‑Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D‑N.Y.), John Fetterman (D‑Pa.), and Bill Cassidy (R‑La.), reflecting a rare bipartisan consensus around the need to protect low‑income families from cybercrime.

A wide range of organizations have endorsed the legislation, including the National Grocers Association, the Food Industry Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores, SNAC International, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Hunger Free America, the R Street Institute, the American Heart Association, and Bread for the World.

Part of a Broader Focus on SNAP Integrity

Senator Britt has supported several previous efforts related to SNAP program integrity and continuity. She has cosponsored the Keep SNAP Funded Act, which would ensure the program continues during a federal government shutdown, and the Healthy SNAP Act, which proposes limiting the purchase of certain sugary or highly processed items with SNAP benefits.

The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act now moves forward with bipartisan backing as Congress weighs how best to protect public assistance programs from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.