OPINION:
An estimated 42 million people receive food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. The figure represents 12.3% of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In the richest nation on earth, that is not something to brag about. It is, or ought to be, a disgrace.
SNAP is a casualty of the government “shutdown,” though two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to restore funds to the program. On Monday, President Trump announced that he would use a contingency fund to cover 50% of SNAP benefits for November, but none after that if the government remains closed.
Now would be a good time to ask why so many Americans seek food assistance. A starting point that should get political support (at least from Republicans) would be the elimination of mistakes, waste and fraud in the SNAP program.
The USDA, which administers SNAP for the states, estimates that in fiscal year 2023, approximately 11.7% of SNAP benefits, or about $10.5 billion, were considered “improper payments,” including instances of fraud and other errors. Although overpayments resulting from household errors and administrative mistakes account for the largest portion of these improper payments, the USDA and other experts also report significant issues with benefit trafficking and recent surges in theft.
For example, fraudulent transactions increased 55% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 to the first quarter of 2025.
The first food assistance programs were established in 1939 during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like many other government initiatives, the programs continued even after the Depression ended and the need for food assistance subsided. More people were added, including during periods of prosperity.
After eliminating improper payments, the government should focus on the able-bodied who are not working. SNAP beneficiaries are required to participate in work and job training programs. Whether people without children are meeting that requirement should be investigated. The goal should be to wean people off government assistance and toward financial independence. The elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities who qualify should continue receiving food assistance.
Whatever happened to children caring for their parents who are in need? Adult children with resources should be required to help their parents before turning to the government.
Senate Democrats, most of whom have refused to vote to reopen the government, continue to use SNAP — as well as air traffic controllers and other vital services — to extort political capital from Republicans. So far, it appears to be working. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that voters blame Republicans slightly more than Democrats for the shutdown.
Too many Americans believe they are entitled to other people’s money and that it is the government’s responsibility to take care of every citizen (and some noncitizens) from cradle to grave. Perhaps Congress should be included among those deemed “nonessential” and have their pay suspended. Watch how quickly the government would open again should that occur.
Nearly every problem has a solution. The problem for politicians is that if they solve a problem, they no longer have an issue with which to bash the other party. As long as holding on to political office remains their top priority, nothing will change. More people will come to rely on government, which will help the Democrats, but it will be bad for the country and the people who have become addicted to government.
• Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book, “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (Humanix Books).
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