Trump’s Administration needs answers.
House Republicans are demanding answers after five Democrat-led states declined to provide federal officials with data that lawmakers say could help uncover fraud in one of America’s largest taxpayer-funded assistance programs.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), sent letters Wednesday to the governors of New York, California, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania seeking records related to their refusal to share Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to Burchett, the missing information is essential for identifying potential waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal food assistance program, which distributes more than $100 billion in benefits each year.
The USDA recently directed all 50 states to provide SNAP payment data as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen oversight and protect taxpayer dollars.
While 29 states have already complied, New York, California, Illinois, Michigan, and Pennsylvania remain among the largest states that have not submitted the requested information.
Burchett says the data collected so far has already helped federal officials identify at least $3 billion in potential waste, fraud, and abuse. He argues that additional questionable payments could be uncovered if the remaining states cooperate with the investigation.
In a letter to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Burchett warned that failing to provide the records could prevent investigators from recovering billions more in taxpayer funds.
He also argued that New York’s refusal to participate comes at a significant cost to American taxpayers.
New York officials strongly pushed back against those allegations.
A spokesperson for Hochul’s office said claims that the state is unlawfully withholding information are “patently false” and insisted New York remains committed to protecting the integrity of the SNAP program while ensuring eligible residents receive the food assistance they qualify for.
The governor’s office also noted that a federal court previously blocked the Trump administration from requiring 22 states, including New York, to turn over certain SNAP recipient data. Officials say they are reviewing the USDA’s latest request before determining their next steps.
As of Wednesday, the offices of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro had not publicly responded to requests for comment.
The dispute comes ahead of a House DOGE subcommittee hearing focused on improving oversight of the SNAP program.
Burchett said lawmakers will examine why billions of taxpayer dollars are lost each year through improper payments and explore reforms designed to increase transparency and accountability.
According to the congressman, roughly $10 billion in taxpayer money was lost through SNAP fraud and improper payments during 2024.
“Americans are tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars wasted,” Burchett said in a statement. He added that Congress has a responsibility to strengthen oversight, reduce fraud, and ensure government assistance reaches those who truly qualify.
The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on ways to improve accountability, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and restore public confidence in one of the federal government’s largest welfare programs.
