A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The MEALS Act of 2025 aims to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prevent fraud regarding summer EBT benefits. It requires the Secretary to issue guidance and regulations to help State agencies and covered Indian Tribal organizations detect and prevent theft methods like card skimming and cloning. The bill mandates that participating agencies implement procedures to replace summer EBT benefits that are determined to have been stolen. Additionally, the Secretary must coordinate with various entities to understand how and where these thefts occur. The legislation also requires specific reports to be submitted to Congress regarding theft frequency and security risks.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +7
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
This bill provides a vital safety net by replacing stolen food assistance benefits.
- Scored +5
Would children be better off under this?
Protecting summer EBT benefits supports the nutritional needs of children.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill includes specific provisions for Tribal organizations to implement these security and replacement measures.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
The bill imposes new federal mandates and regulatory requirements on State agencies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Replacement of Stolen Benefits: State agencies and covered Indian Tribal organizations that participate in the program will be required to replace summer EBT benefits that are determined to have been stolen through methods like card skimming or cloning (Section 2, subsection (h)(2)(A)).
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Enhanced Security Measures: The Secretary will issue guidance on security measures that are effective in detecting and preventing theft, including methods consistent with industry standards (Section 2, subsection (h)(1)(A)).
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Improved Fraud Detection: The bill directs the Secretary to coordinate with various entities, such as the Attorney General and retailers, to determine how benefits are being stolen and the specific locations where these thefts are taking place (Section 2, subsection (h)(1)(D)).
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Standardized Reporting: The establishment of standard reporting methods will allow State agencies and covered Indian Tribal organizations to share data with the Secretary regarding the scope of stolen benefits (Section 2, subsection (h)(1)(D)(iii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Administrative Requirements for Agencies: State agencies and covered Indian Tribal organizations must create and submit specific plans for the replacement of stolen benefits, including procedures for claims, validation, and documentation (Section 2, subsection (h)(2)(A)(i)).
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Limits on Replacement Amounts: The replacement of stolen summer EBT benefits for an eligible household is capped at either the amount stolen during the calendar year or the amount of the benefit allotment issued immediately prior to the theft (Section 2, subsection (h)(2)(A)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — This bill provides a vital safety net by replacing stolen food assistance benefits. Would children be better off under this? — Protecting summer EBT benefits supports the nutritional needs of children. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes specific provisions for Tribal organizations to implement these security and replacement measures. Would students be better off under this? — Protecting summer EBT benefits directly benefits students who rely on them for nutrition.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances protection against fraudulent electronic transactions like card skimming.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal oversight and requirements for State agencies regarding EBT security. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill mandates that agencies include procedures for households to appeal adverse decisions. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires reports to Congress regarding the frequency and location of benefit theft. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill imposes new federal mandates and regulatory requirements on State agencies.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By replacing stolen EBT benefits, the bill helps protect the food security of low-income families.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill mandates security measures to prevent electronic theft of benefits.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill addresses security to prevent theft of electronic benefit accounts.
- 6/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York