The amendment was agreed to by unanimous consent. Thank God we can all agree that taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to feed murderers, rapists, and pedophiles.
Vitter’s amendment would prohibit convicted murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from receiving food stamps. Under current law, there is a lifetime ban only for convicted drug felons, though many states have opted out of or modified that ban. Vitter’s amendment would extend the lifetime food stamp ban to dangerous sex offenders and murderers, and would not allow states to opt out or modify this ban.
Recently the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office released an audit on the federally-funded Louisiana food stamp program. The audit covered the fiscal years from 2010 to 2012 and found that there were duplicate and overpayments of millions. The results show that more than $1.1 million was issued to 1,761 people who were in prison, 322 people gained benefits even though their wages exceeded $50,000, and 3,060 people used $2 million worth of benefits in a state other than Louisiana.
Vitter also introduced an amendment to end the free cell phone welfare boondoggle.
He spoke at length on the Senate floor about the fraud and abuse that’s been going on with the wasteful program: