Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) released a statement after he co-sponsored the bipartisan Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Protection Act, or H.R. 4190. The legislation addresses the billions of dollars in fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) that was stolen from American taxpayers— specifically Californians. 
 
“In Congress, one of my priorities is ensuring that taxpayer dollars are properly spent. The State of California’s mismanagement of billions in PUA funds that were intended for the millions of Californians financially impacted by the state’s mandated lockdowns is unacceptable,” said Garcia. “While many Californians sat awaiting much-needed help, the relief they needed was sent to fraudulent actors. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation that seeks to hold the state of California accountable for their gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars, help prevent future fraud, and support victims of identity left.”  
 
This bill would require states to recover fraudulent benefits payments, prevent future fraud, and support the victims of unemployment benefit fraud and identity theft. In February, Garcia sent a letter with the California Republican Delegation calling on Governor Newsom to investigate California’s Employment Development Department’s (EDD) mismanagement of the billions in taxpayer funds. It is now estimated that California’s EDD has paid out up to $31 billion in PUA benefits to fraudulent entities or ineligible individuals.
 
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Protection Act, or H.R. 4190, has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and is awaiting further action. 
 
Click here to read the text of the bill.