A top Agriculture Department watchdog warned Congress that fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has allowed individuals linked to terrorist groups, foreign adversaries, and transnational criminal organizations to access and abuse food stamps.

SNAP Fraud: A Serious Concern

The hearing marked the latest push by the Trump administration and House Republicans to crack down on these financial crimes and address the alleged waste, fraud, and abuse in the bloated federal SNAP program.

USDA Inspector General John Walk testified that proceeds of SNAP fraud have gone to individuals linked to terrorist groups, foreign adversary nations, and transnational criminal organizations.

Walk also highlighted a Southern California investigation in which SNAP benefits were allegedly exchanged for cash and crack cocaine. Gang members then used proceeds from the fraud to purchase firearms.

House Republicans argued that broader access to state eligibility data could uncover billions more in improper payments and organized criminal activity, while Democrats warned the effort could be used to justify cuts to food assistance for eligible Americans.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.