The Obama Administration is preparing to announce that federal agencies must begin using EMV-enabled chips in electronic benefits transfer cards distributed to citizens, according to a report by The Hill, which cited "multiple sources."

The publication said it was unclear when the order would take effect, or whether the government would use chip-and-signature verification or opt for the more secure chip-and-PIN requirement.

The announcement originally was slated for this Friday, but will likely be postponed, The Hill said. A new date for the announcement was not named; the White House declined to comment on its plans.