The resolution from the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, introduced by Senator Schaffer and co-sponsored by Senators Blackshear, Smith, and Craig, urges Congress to take action in restoring stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and to implement enhanced anti-fraud measures within the program. It highlights the significant financial losses Ohio faces due to SNAP fraud, particularly through a method known as "skimming," where fraudulent devices capture payment card information. The resolution notes that current EBT cards lack security features, making them vulnerable to such thefts, and emphasizes the need for Congress to extend the provisions that allow for the replacement of stolen benefits beyond the current deadline of December 20, 2024.

The resolution also references previous federal actions that provided funding for states to replace stolen SNAP benefits, which have benefited over 315,000 households and resulted in the replacement of more than $150 million in stolen benefits nationwide. In Ohio alone, over $12.6 million in stolen benefits were replaced using federal funds. The Senate of Ohio calls on Congress to not only resume the restoration of these benefits but also to consider implementing security chip cards to better protect against fraud, thereby ensuring the integrity of the SNAP program for vulnerable populations.