Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) introduced his Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, legislation that strengthens penalties for childcare providers who defraud the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. The introduction of this legislation follows recent shocking revelations of widespread fraud occurring within Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs, which was primarily perpetrated by Somali fraudsters.
Of his legislation, Stauber stated, “Taxpayers in Minnesota and across the country deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are supporting legitimate services and not lining the pockets of Somali fraudsters. My bill imposes tough penalties for those who exploit our public programs, including serious immigration consequences for non-citizens. For too long, Tim Walz and Keith Ellison failed to act, and credible reports suggest their offices may have even enabled these criminals. When state leaders won’t do their jobs, the federal government must step in to provide commonsense reforms that protect our programs and hold violators accountable, and this bill does just that.”
Key provisions of the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act include:
- Permanent debarment: Mandates a lifetime ban from all federally funded childcare assistance programs for any provider convicted of fraud.
- Full restitution: Requires state reimbursement to the Department of Health and Human Services for fraudulently obtained funds.
- Federal referral for criminal investigation: Directs automatic referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution and further scrutiny.
Immigration accountability: For non-citizen providers convicted of fraud or involved in terrorism-related activity, this legislation establishes grounds for inadmissibility or deportation and bars asylum or adjustment of status.