SBE Council Supports Congressional Efforts to Combat Fraud, Protect Taxpayer Dollars, and Strengthen Program Integrity

By SBE Council at 20 May, 2026, 10:38 pm

The following statement regarding legislation being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee this week - including H.R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026; H.R. 8872, the Preventing Waste, Fraud and Abuse in TANF Act; H.R. 8883, the Protecting Seniors and Stopping Fraudsters Act; and H.R. 8873, the Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act - may be attributed to Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) President & CEO Karen Kerrigan:

"SBE Council commends Chairman Jason Smith and members of the House Ways and Means Committee for proposing a strong slate of bills aimed at combating fraud, preventing abuse of taxpayer dollars, and improving accountability in federal programs."

"America's small business owners work hard and expect accountability from government programs funded by their tax dollars. The bills being considered will help to ensure that public resources are being used responsibly."

"Specifically, the Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act, H.R. 8883, will help to recover stolen taxpayer dollars, which is critical to restoring trust in government programs and protecting the integrity of future emergency relief efforts. Fraudulent unemployment payments improperly distributed during the pandemic impose significant costs on taxpayers and undermine confidence in critical relief programs that many workers and businesses legitimately depended upon. Small business owners shoulder the burden through higher deficits and reduced confidence in government's ability to administer programs effectively and responsibly. Every dollar recovered is a step toward greater accountability and better stewardship of taxpayer resources."

"H.R. 8883 represents an important effort to ensure that fraudulent funds are pursued and recovered where possible, while sending a strong message that taxpayer dollars must be protected. Moreover, strong oversight and accountability of federal programs - as represented by the bills being considered by the Ways and Means Committee - is essential to maintaining confidence that taxpayer dollars are being managed responsibly and that government programs are operating as intended. Reducing fraud, waste, and abuse helps protect limited public resources and supports a healthier fiscal and economic environment for small businesses, workers, and future investment."