Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the Put America on Commission Act of 2026, which establishes an Office of Whistleblower Awards within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to incentivize the public to come forward with credible tips related to pandemic-era loan fraud.
This bipartisan bill strengthens oversight and accountability by rewarding whistleblowers who provide information that leads to a final conviction, helping to recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud in pandemic relief programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
“The Pandemic relief programs were created to help small businesses survive during an unprecedented crisis, not to be exploited by fraudsters,” said Congressman Williams. “The Put America on Commission Act helps restore confidence in the American people that federal funds are managed responsibly and that any misuse is addressed quickly and transparently.”
“Protecting taxpayers and restoring trust in government starts with accountability,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). “I’m proud to help lead the bipartisan Put America on Commission Act to empower Americans to report fraud and stolen pandemic relief funds. Exploiting programs meant to support small businesses and families in crisis is stealing from our communities—and this bill makes clear that we will hold anyone accountable while safeguarding taxpayer funds for those who truly need it.”
Click here to view the bill.
—
Background:
Whistleblowers may receive a monetary award based on the significance of the information they provide if it leads to a final conviction. Individuals who participated in the fraud are prohibited from receiving awards. The SBA is authorized to impose additional civil penalties on convicted fraudsters, with proceeds deposited into the Whistleblower Award Fund, and any unused funds will be returned to the U.S. Treasury.
Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D- Maryland) is joining as the original Democratic co-lead.
###
Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and a member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.