Walberg Signs VP's Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) joined Vice President JD Vance in the fight against fraud by signing a pledge to ensure that American programs only benefit law-abiding citizens.

"Each year, fraudsters steal billions of dollars from hardworking Americans and taxpayer-funded programs," said Rep. Walberg. "Programs should support real American families, rather than fraudsters. I'm proud to join the Vice President in the fight against fraud to provide stronger protections for vulnerable Americans and hold fraudsters accountable. As Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, I have been working with my colleagues to crack down on fraud in federal student aid and child care assistance programs. We must build on these efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure support goes to those who need it, rather than those exploiting the system."

The Pledge reads:

I pledge to join the fight and do everything in my power to ensure that:

1. Vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly, indigent, and disabled, are protected from fraudsters who seek to prey on them.

2. Taxpayer-funded programs serve law-abiding Americans, not illegal aliens or fraudsters.

3. Taxpayer-funded benefits are not used by fraudsters to buy mansions or luxury cars.

4. Public agencies and officials work tirelessly and aggressively, coordinating at all levels of government, to stop fraud before payments go out the door.

5. Fraudsters face justice for their crimes in a court of law. Convicted fraudsters will be imprisoned and barred from ever receiving another penny of taxpayer dollars.

6. Illegal alien fraudsters are promptly arrested, prosecuted, imprisoned, and deported, never able to take advantage of Americans' generosity again.

Background

Recent reports by the Government Accountability Office estimate that up to $521 billion are lost to fraud each year.

As Chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, Rep. Walberg ushered legislation through the House to strengthen oversight and institute safeguards against fraud in federal student aid and child care programs. The No Aid for Ghost Students Act and Stop Child Care Scams Act would strengthen oversight and protect taxpayer dollars.

Rep. Walberg also sent letters to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison earlier this year following reports of widespread fraud in Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program.