Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said on March 24 that he supports the nomination of Colin McDonald to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Senate was set to vote on McDonald’s confirmation following his February hearing and advancement by the Judiciary Committee last week.
The nomination comes at a time when federal program fraud has become a pressing concern. Grassley said addressing this issue is important for both intended recipients of federal aid and American taxpayers, whose money funds these programs.
In his remarks, Grassley said, “I commend President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for doing so now to address the ongoing crisis of federal program fraud.” He added that fighting fraud should be a bipartisan effort: “Republicans and Democrats can and should agree that fighting fraud – particularly fraud on the American taxpayers – is important work. And that is true now more than ever.”
Grassley referenced multiple hearings held by the committee regarding recent cases in Minnesota, noting additional schemes have been identified nationwide. He described how these crimes target programs meant to help vulnerable groups such as children with autism, elderly individuals, and small businesses. According to Grassley, “The American taxpayers, who entrusted the government with their hard-earned money, are victims as well.” During his confirmation hearing, McDonald committed to “prosecute criminals who exploit the generosity of our country by stealing from taxpayer-funded programs. Every dollar stolen is a dollar that didn’t put bread on the table… Fraudsters should never be allowed to rip off the United States of America.”
Grassley outlined McDonald’s background as an assistant U.S. attorney in California specializing in prosecuting financial crimes including money laundering and tax offenses. He said McDonald “has tirelessly worked to protect the rights of victims” and “gained respect” across legal circles.
Grassley’s career includes service in key Senate committees with a focus on bipartisan policymaking according to his official website. He served in Iowa’s state legislature from 1958 through 1974 according to his official website and brings experience working in factories according to his official website. In addition to legislative duties, he assists Iowans with matters involving federal agencies according to his official website, holds degrees from University of Northern Iowa according to his official website, has farmed corn and soybeans in Butler County according to his official website, is married since 1954 with five children according to his official website, and remains one of only two farmers currently serving in the Senate according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Grassley concluded: “I believe that the American people will be in good hands with Mr. McDonald working on their side, and I encourage my colleagues to support his nomination.”
