Cybersecurity Policy Report, Bicameral Bill Would Require USDA to Improve SNAP Cybersecurity, (Feb 27, 2026)
Organizations Mentioned:National Grocers Association | U.S. Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture would be required to update its cybersecurity rules to prevent the theft of funds from beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under legislation introduced in the House and Senate.
The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act (S 3949/HR 7658) was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) and in the House by Rep. Dan Goldman (D., N.Y.). Senate co-sponsors include Sens. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) and Bill Cassidy (R., La.). The House bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Mike Lawler (R., N.Y.), Adam Smith (D., Wash.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.).
“The Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act will stop criminals from exploiting security flaws in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment cards and stealing food benefits from families with low incomes,” the lawmakers explained in a fact sheet.
“It updates the cybersecurity regulations for SNAP cards, which haven't been updated since 2010, to require fraud-resistant chips and move away from outdated, insecure magnetic stripes. A January 2026 report from the Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General recommends that the Department act now to detect and prevent benefit theft so that $555 million in federal funds can be put to better use,” according to the fact sheet.
The legislation would provide grants of an unspecified amount to help states upgrade their SNAP benefit cards and smaller grocers to install more secure payment systems.
States would have to begin issuing chip-enabled SNAP cards within two years of the adoption of the new USDA regulations. Within four years, states would no longer be able to issue new SNAP cards containing a magnetic stripe, the lawmakers said in a news release.
“Cybersecurity shouldn’t depend on income or zip code. It’s time to overhaul this two-tier system that leaves families in need even more vulnerable with outdated technology. I’m all in to get this legislation across the finish line and ensure no hungry family has to lose sleep over their food assistance being stolen,” Sen. Wyden said.
“Each year, tens of millions of dollars in essential food benefits are stolen from New Yorkers—benefits that families rely on to put food on the table,” Rep. Goldman said. “That’s why I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to update SNAP’s long-outdated cybersecurity regulations and require chip-enabled cards for SNAP benefits. This bill will ensure federal support for New York as it begins to upgrade its EBT cards and prevent SNAP theft.”
Similar legislation introduced in the House and Senate in 2024 failed to advance (CPR, March 8, 2024).
The legislation has been endorsed by a variety of groups, including the National Grocers Association, Food Marketing Institute, and National Association of Convenience Stores.
News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity