Alabama Rep. Robert Aderholt revealed on Thursday that states could now choose to implement drug tests on its food stamp recipients. According to the ABC News, the initiative to give states the option to do the drug test came to light after it was noted that it would make a significant change on food stamp savings.

Aderholt, chairman of the House subcommittee, said, "This is a compassionate way to try and help these people who have issues, instead of turning the head."

According to the publication, although Aderholt strongly believes that it is normal to conduct such tests for people who seek help, he also explained that the push for drug testing is definitely not a mandate. It will instead serve as an option to states to help increase savings on the program. Aderholt's office noted that approximatedly $1.2 billion can be saved from the program if the drug testing act pushes through. In 2008, at least 46 million Americans benefited from the food stamp program.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, on the other hand, has not made any comments about Aderholt's proposal. In the past, Ryan envisioned a legislation that would introduce food stamps being turned into block grants in order to cover more programs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture policy contradicts laws that require food stamp recipients to undergo drug testing. According to AJC, federal officials objected the legislation passed by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, saying that they cannot impose a law that connects drug testing to food stamp recipients. Drug testing, according to officials, is only deemed necessary if there is any suspicion on the program's members.

Several states have previously tried to impose the drug testing rule for beneficiaries of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The state of Georgia, on the other hand, didn't limit the law on the said program but extended it to food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In a recent proposal by the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform, Gov. Nathan Deal may get the opportunity to change and possibly remove the lifetime ban on SNAP for drug convicts. He said, "While it is important that our criminal justice system punish those who have harmed the lives and property of our citizens, it should also see to change the direction of their lives so that they will not repeat their criminal conduct upon release."