Webster's dictionary defines "talon" as "the claw of a bird of prey or predatory animal." And, that's just what more nearly 6,000 fugitive felons think has grabbed them since the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and its state and local law enforcement partners, put "Operation Talon" into effect three years ago to locate and capture fugitives who are receiving Food Stamp Program benefits illegally.

The Federal Food Stamp Program helps low-income households buy the food they need to maintain a nutritionally adequate diet. The program, operated by state and local welfare offices under USDA's guidance, is helping to end hunger and improve health in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In fiscal year 1999 alone, this program served 18 million people and administered nearly $16 billion in benefits. And, the overwhelming majority of food stamp recipients are deserving, law-abiding citizens. (In fact, the 6,000 fugitive felons arrested represents only a tiny fraction of the entire food stamp recipient population.)

It might surprise most Americans to learn that the ominously named "Operation Talon" actually goes back to the "Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act," commonly referred to as the Welfare Reform Act, that President Clinton signed in August 1996. That legislation gave law enforcement agencies new authority to match felony fugitive files with government records of current and former food stamp recipients. From this increased authority, "Operation Talon" was born.