Search for members, bills, votes, committees, hearings, and nominations
The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act aims to give federal law enforcement more time to investigate and prosecute crimes related to COVID-19 unemployment programs. Specifically, the bill would extend the statute of limitations from five years to ten years for criminal and civil fraud cases involving programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. This change would allow the Department of Justice to continue pursuing thousands of open investigations into stolen taxpayer funds that might otherwise expire starting in early 2025.
In addition to extending the legal window for prosecution, the bill proposes to rescind $5 million in unused funds previously allocated to the Department of Labor for anti-fraud activities. This reduction is intended to offset the estimated administrative costs states might face for maintaining records over a longer period. The bill would not apply to cases where the original five-year deadline has already passed before the new law is enacted.
If enacted, the bill would primarily impact individuals and organized groups that allegedly defrauded pandemic relief systems. By doubling the time available for legal action, the legislation seeks to increase the recovery of billions of dollars in improperly paid benefits and ensure that those who committed identity theft or wire fraud during the pandemic can still be held accountable under federal law.
AI-generated summary
Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Mar 12, 2025
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
Mar 13, 2025
Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Mar 12, 2025
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
Mar 13, 2025
