Rep. Malliotakis introduces bill in U.S. House to strengthen SNAP benefit security and combat fraud

The new bill authored by U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis in the U.S. House aims to enhance SNAP benefit security and address fraud by strengthening cybersecurity and oversight, according to the U.S. Congress.

H.R.7316 was introduced on Feb. 2, 2026 during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to enhance the security of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by requiring the implementation of cybersecurity regulations and EMV technology for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. It grants the Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General the authority to investigate fraud related to SNAP benefits and establishes civil penalties for unauthorized use of these benefits. The legislation mandates that states develop cybersecurity measures, including using chip-enabled EBT cards, within specified timelines. Additionally, it ensures that beneficiaries do not lose access to SNAP benefits due to card damage, loss, or fraud, and prohibits replacement fees under certain circumstances. The bill emphasizes the importance of data collection and public reporting to monitor EBT card security and improve response to fraud. It is set to take effect upon enactment.

The bill was introduced only by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (Republican-NY-11th District).

Since the beginning of the current session, Rep. Malliotakis has introduced another 42 bills.

Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue-related measures, which must begin in the House. After introduction, bills are assigned to committees for review, hearings, amendments and debate before they can advance to a vote in each chamber. If both chambers approve identical versions, the legislation is sent to the president, who may sign it into law or veto it. Congress operates in two-year terms, with each term numbered sequentially and divided into two annual sessions. The legislative process and official bill records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and published through Congress.gov.

Nicole Malliotakis is a Representative from New York who has served in the U.S. Congress since January 3, 2021. She was a member of the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2020 and was a staff member for New York Governor George Pataki from 2004 to 2006.

Malliotakis graduated from New Dorp High School in 1998, obtained a B.A. from Seton Hall University in 2001, and earned an M.B.A. from Wagner University in 2010. She was also an aide in U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign from 2015 to 2016 and ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of New York in 2017.

Information in this article was obtained from the U.S. Congress. The source data can be found here.