Justice Department Sues States for Failing to Provide SNAP Data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture

• WHO: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed lawsuits against the states of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota.
• WHAT: The DOJ is seeking injunctions to compel these states to release five years of SNAP applicant data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• WHERE: The lawsuits were filed in Washington, targeting state agencies in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota.
• WHEN: The lawsuits were filed today, following earlier requests for data made last year and again in May.
• STATUS: The current status is active litigation initiated by the DOJ.

The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota, seeking court orders requiring these states to provide five years of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicant data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for fraud prevention and program oversight.

The legal action, initiated in Washington, targets the state agencies responsible for administering SNAP in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota, following their alleged refusal to comply with USDA data requests.

What Happened

According to a release from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the lawsuits come after the four states reportedly refused to provide the requested data to the USDA. The USDA sought this information to ensure states are properly administering and enforcing eligibility determinations for SNAP, including household benefit levels. The DOJ stated that the USDA initially requested this data last year, but Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota, along with several other states, did not comply. In contrast, 28 other jurisdictions reportedly provided their data promptly.

Data received from the compliant 28 states reportedly indicated billions of dollars per year in SNAP funds are potentially involved in overpayments and fraud, according to the DOJ. Faced with this evidence, the USDA again requested SNAP applicant data from Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota in May. The DOJ stated that these states again refused to comply, leading to the current legal actions. The DOJ release said the states’ alleged ongoing noncompliance creates the likelihood of continued undetected material waste, fraud, and abuse.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “The American people deserve a government that is transparent about how it spends their hard-earned tax dollars. These four states are thwarting USDA’s efforts to ensure that the billions of dollars in SNAP benefits they distribute every year are not lost to fraud. It’s unacceptable, suspicious, and it will not stand under this Administration.” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins added, “For nearly 365 days, several States have shamelessly defied federal law and withheld data to which the U.S. Department of Agriculture is entitled.” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division reiterated the DOJ’s commitment to combating waste, fraud, and abuse in federal benefits programs. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “These states are happy to take hundreds of millions of federal tax dollars—much of which is exploited by fraudsters—but want zero transparency over how those tax dollars are spent.”

The Charges Explained

The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits seeking injunctions, which are court orders requiring a party to perform a specific act or cease a specific act. In this case, the DOJ is seeking injunctive relief to compel the states of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota to provide specific data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While specific criminal charges against individuals are not itemized, the action is related to alleged issues of "waste, fraud, and abuse" within the federal SNAP program due to the states' alleged non-compliance with data requests, according to the DOJ.

How These Cases Move Through Court

Federal civil lawsuits, such as those filed by the Department of Justice, begin when a complaint is filed with a U.S. District Court. This complaint outlines the factual basis for the suit and the legal remedies sought, in this instance, an injunction. The defendant states will then be served with the complaint and summons, officially notifying them of the lawsuit. They will have a set period to respond, typically by filing an answer or a motion to dismiss. Discovery, where both sides exchange information and evidence, often follows. This can involve depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents. If a settlement is not reached, either party may file motions for summary judgment, asking the court to rule in their favor without a full trial. If summary judgment is denied, the case may proceed to trial. In a case seeking an injunction, the court would hear arguments and examine evidence to determine if the requested relief is warranted, considering legal precedents and the specific facts presented. The court's decision can be appealed to a higher federal court.

Context & Background

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program administered by states, providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Fraud and improper payments within government benefits programs are a persistent concern for federal agencies, leading to efforts to enhance oversight and data transparency. According to the Department of Justice, the USDA's request for data is part of a broader initiative to identify and mitigate such issues, with compliant states providing data that reportedly indicated significant potential overpayments and fraud within the SNAP program. Disputes between federal agencies and state governments over data sharing and program administration are not uncommon, often stemming from interpretations of legal requirements and jurisdictional responsibilities.

Recognizing and Reporting Fraud/White Collar

Combating fraud, including those in government benefits programs, requires vigilance from both government agencies and the public. If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse related to federal programs, including those involving public funds or benefits, you can report it to the appropriate authorities. The FBI encourages the public to report federal crimes, including white-collar crimes and fraud, and can be reached at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov. For general emergencies requiring immediate law enforcement assistance, always dial 911.

What Happens Next

The next step in these lawsuits will involve the defendant states of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota being officially served with the complaints. They will then be required to respond to the Department of Justice's legal actions in federal court, commencing the litigation process.