U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced on Apr. 23 that she has brought together a group of senators to support a comprehensive anti-fraud package consisting of 17 bills aimed at recovering stolen funds, protecting taxpayer dollars, and stopping fraud schemes.
The proposed legislation comes after reports of widespread fraud in Minnesota and elsewhere, with an estimated $1.4 billion stolen from taxpayers daily. The effort seeks to address these losses by closing loopholes and strengthening oversight of federal spending.
“The fraud stops here, folks! After massive schemes in Minnesota and beyond were exposed, I’m putting an end to scammers treating the federal government like a personal piggy bank,” Ernst said. “Many politicians and lenient, liberal judges look the other way while criminals steal more than $1 billion from taxpayers every day. I’m stepping up to the plate and bringing my colleagues together to end this theft. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act not only stops fraud before it happens and holds those responsible accountable, but it returns stolen dollars to taxpayers. This overdue legislation will soon be brought to a vote to put every senator on the record on whether they stand with swindlers or taxpayers.”
Other senators also voiced their support for the package. Senator Pete Ricketts said: “Americans must know their tax dollars are put to good use…This package fights to protect our taxpayers.” Senator Roger Marshall noted: “Fraud doesn’t stop at state lines — grifters follow the money…The Protecting American Taxpayers Act closes those gaps before the next billion-dollar theft happens.” Senator Chuck Grassley added: “For years, I’ve led efforts to root out fraud…I’m glad to join Senator Ernst in introducing this comprehensive package.”
Senator John Cornyn highlighted his VSAFE Act included in the bill: “Congress must do more to protect innocent Americans who are being defrauded left and right while crooks and illegal migrants profit.” Senators Matt Husted, Rich McCormick, and James Lankford also expressed support for measures targeting deep fake scams, restoring fiscal discipline, clawing back unspent COVID funds, and closing legal loopholes.
Ernst’s office assists Iowans with matters related to Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs according to her official website. She served over 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official biography. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where hard work was emphasized according to her official website, Ernst became Iowa’s first woman elected federally upon joining Congress as reported by her office. She holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s), according to her official biography.
Supporters say that if passed into law, these bills could help return significant amounts of money lost through fraudulent activities back into public coffers while deterring future abuse.
