Hawley Introduces Bill to Create New Watchdog for Fraud Following Minnesota Revelations

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Thursday, January 15, 2026
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)introducedtheSpecial Inspector General for Program Fraud Actto root out fraud in child assistance programs. The legislation followsrevelationsthat at least half of the $18 billion in federal funds allocated to social services in Minnesota since 2018 may have been subject to fraud. This new inspector general would complement the work of the assistant attorney general for fraud that was recentlyannouncedby the Trump Administration.
“After billions of dollars have been lost to fraud in Minnesota, American taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability to ensure their hard-earned tax dollars are not lining the pockets of bad actors,”said Senator Hawley.“I am introducing legislation to create a federal watchdog to track every penny of tax dollars spent on child assistance programs. This inspector general will ensure taxpayer resources are spent properly and will support the Administration in their efforts to hold bad actors accountable.”
TheSpecial Inspector General for Program Fraud Act:
Read the full bill texthere.

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