Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act

H.R. 7923 would strengthen federal oversight and penalties for fraud in the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, which provides childcare assistance nationwide. The bill would mandate permanent debarment from all federally funded childcare programs for any provider convicted of fraud, require states to reimburse the federal government for fraudulently obtained funds, and automatically refer cases to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation.

For non-citizen childcare providers, the bill would establish immigration consequences including making them inadmissible and deportable if convicted of fraud or involved in terrorism-related activity. The bill would also bar them from asylum or adjustment of status. The legislation was introduced in response to reported fraud cases involving childcare assistance programs in Minnesota and is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Education and Workforce.