Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced the Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) Act, a bill designed to increase accountability in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The legislation would require a photo ID on every Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, aiming to ensure that only eligible individuals can redeem benefits.
Currently, SNAP EBT cards do not require identity verification at the point of use. This lack of oversight has led to issues such as card sharing, unauthorized purchases, and stolen cards being exploited. According to data from the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, over $102 million in fraudulent or stolen SNAP benefits were approved nationwide. During this period, states reported more than 226,000 fraudulent claims and 691,000 unauthorized transactions across the country. In South Carolina alone, there were 4,209 instances of stolen benefits.
Mace said the new bill supports efforts to address SNAP fraud: “Taxpayers have had enough of watching their hard-earned dollars abused by people with no legal right to these benefits,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This isn’t complicated, if you’re eligible for SNAP, your photo goes on the card and you’re the only one who uses it. Not fraudsters, not criminals, not someone borrowing a card they have no right to use. This is basic common sense, fairness, and protecting taxpayers and the American families who truly need food assistance.”
The FAIR Act proposes several measures:
– Photo IDs would be required on all SNAP EBT cards so retailers and states can verify identity at purchase.
– Only individuals whose name and photograph appear on the card could redeem benefits.
– States could issue additional photo-verified cards for households with multiple authorized users.
– Accommodations would be made for caregivers assisting minors, seniors, or people with disabilities.
– Retailers would be required to check each EBT card’s photo before completing a transaction.
– The USDA would have 18 months to update regulations for national implementation.
Nancy Mace currently serves in Congress representing South Carolina’s 1st district after replacing Joe Cunningham in 2021. She previously served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020 and was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1977. Mace graduated from The Citadel in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree.