New House Bill Bans Welfare Spending At Strip Clubs, Liquor Stores

It's a crackdown that seems obvious. The U.S. House has passed legislation banning welfare recipients from spending their government benefits at strip clubs, casinos and liquor stores.

Most government assistance these days comes on electronic debit cards. That money is meant to be spent on food, rent and other necessities.

But lawmakers say they've received reports that those cards are being swiped at night clubs, liquor stores and even on cruise ships. They call it a step in the right direction to cut down on welfare fraud and abuse.

But opponents say the measure could force some folks in low-income neighborhoods to travel farther to access their benefits, and force some to pay higher fees.

The bill is now moving on to the Senate.

We called the Department of Human Services, the agency that oversees Oklahoma's welfare program.

DHS says you can currently use your food stamp card at a casino or a strip club that's USDA approved, meaning it serves food you could take home and feed to your family.

The state says it's not sure how many Oklahoma casinos and strip clubs fit that description.