The Department of Agriculture under the Biden administration has been accused of illegally boosting food stamp benefits to the tune of $200 billion.
This alleged abuse of authority has drawn criticism and raised concerns about the potential for further illegal scams within the government.
Allegations of Misuse and Abuse of Authority in SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the United States, otherwise known as food stamps, is a federal assistance program designed to help low-income families afford healthy meals.
However, a recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed the Department of Agriculture, led by President Joe Biden, may have abused its authority and violated its own guidelines to expedite the review of food costs required under the 2018 Farm Bill.
These allegations have raised concerns about the potential misuse of SNAP benefits.
Here, Biden’s violating separation of powers again and unilaterally increasing spending on food stamps, another impeachable offense.https://t.co/sxASkAZ5fS
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) December 27, 2022
According to the Washington Examiner, food stamps have seen an increase in benefits past inflation for the first time in 45 years, due to alleged illegal changes made by the Department of Agriculture under President Joe Biden.
The USDA traditionally set SNAP benefit levels based on the Thrifty Food Plan, a suitable diet at the lowest price point and reviewed these levels in three periods since 1975.
The 2018 Farm Bill required the USDA to conduct a new evaluation of the food stamps, by 2022, with reevaluations to be carried out every five years thereafter.
This evaluation involves the use of a computer model that inputs data on food, prices, and nutrition to create a list of foods and beverages necessary for a healthy diet, known as a “Market Basket.”
However, according to a recent report from GAO, the Biden administration may have manipulated the process for evaluating food stamps, in order to illegally increase benefits.
Biden Used “American People’s Best Interest” as an Excuse
When the Biden administration was confronted with the report about how they may have illegally increased SNAP benefits, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack declared the administration stands firm on the quality of its work and its positive impacts.
Vilsack argued the administration was justified because it acted in the American people’s best interests.
However, some questioned whether the administration’s actions were meant to benefit all Americans or just those who receive SNAP benefits through wealth redistribution.
In addition, some also pointed out that Democrats often justify illegal or otherwise questionable actions by claiming they are doing so for the benefit of the American people.
Biden Admin Approves Single Largest Increase in Food Stamps History https://t.co/UTE2ygyO32
— Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) August 16, 2021
It should be noted that SNAP recipients are not required to have a fixed mailing address or housing; benefits can also be received by individuals who are homeless or living in shelters.
While a moral society needs to provide assistance to those in need, it is also essential to ensure that support is not being given to those who are unwilling to help themselves.
Some have pointed to cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland as examples of the negative consequences of overly generous welfare programs.
