Weekly Column: Targeting Fraud

The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported the federal government loses an estimated $233 billion to $521 billion annually to fraud. Fraud robs taxpayers and weakens confidence in federal programs. We must be vigilant in closing gaps in fraud prevention. Because taxpayer dollars should serve their intended purpose--not line the pockets of criminals--I joined in co-sponsoring S. 4952, the Protecting American Taxpayers Act. This comprehensive anti-fraud legislative package would help recover stolen funds and protect taxpayer dollars. The legislation, projected to save taxpayers $240 billion if enacted, includes 16 bills introduced by Democratic and Republican senators. To recover wasteful funds: S. 3727, the Stop Fraud Before Payment Act, and S. 3462, the WALZ Act, would require payments to be made as reimbursements only after a service has been provided; S. 1047, the Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act, would prevent criminals convicted of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration from receiving future assistance; S. 3166, the Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act, would claw back more than $65 billion in unused COVID-19 funds; S. 2732, the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act, would allow inspector generals to provide bonuses to employees who uncover fraud in government programs; and S. 747, the Improper Payments Transparency Act, would require data on improper payments to be included in the President’s annual budget request. To protect taxpayer dollars: S. 1567, the JOBS for Success Act, would require states to measure and report improper payments in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a long-term plan to reduce TANF payment errors; S. 3610, the No Funding for Foreign Agents Act, would prohibit funds from going to countries subject to travel bans or arms embargoes; and S. 226, the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act would require the disclosure of cash assistance in Afghanistan to help prevent Taliban access. To stop fraudsters and hold them accountable: S. 2117, the Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act, would establish a task force to combat deepfake scams; S. 1199, the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act, and S. 121, the Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act, would extend statutes of limitations to help ensure criminals are caught and held accountable; S. 1991, the Fraud Alert Systems Act, would require the U.S. Department of the Treasury to maintain a description of every payment and cross-check the information; S. 3746, the Stopping Transfers of Public Funds Abroad Act, would require individuals seeking to conduct international wire transfers to certify they do not receive public assistance; S. 2683, the Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, would provide consistent scam-prevention guidance for veterans; and S.874, the Expanding Whistleblower Protection for Contractors Act of 2025, would close loopholes in whistleblower-protection laws. The Trump Administration is a strong partner in this effort. In March, President Trump issued an Executive Order establishing the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The Administration also created the fraud.gov website where Americans can track action to end fraud and recover taxpayer funds and reported in August, “Since the Task Force began its work, it has uncovered nearly $230 billion in fraud, stopped $56 billion in fraudulent payments that would have gone into the pockets of criminals, enforced more than $55 billion through indictments, settlements, and civil penalties, and secured hundreds of indictments and convictions.” As efforts continue to end misuse of taxpayer dollars and ensure federal assistance is not jeopardized, I will work steadily for the recovery of criminally absconded funds and enactment of fraud prevention measures. # # #