H.R.1156 - Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, amends the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud related to pandemic unemployment assistance programs. It specifically targets fraud associated with Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). The bill extends the statute of limitations to 10 years after the violation or conspiracy, with an exception for cases where the original statute of limitations has already expired.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is to provide more time for the government to pursue cases of unemployment fraud related to pandemic relief programs. This could lead to increased prosecution of fraudulent claims and potentially recover funds that were improperly disbursed. Additionally, the bill rescinds $5,000,000 from unobligated balances made available by prior legislation to offset costs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased ability to prosecute unemployment fraud.
- Potential recovery of fraudulently obtained funds.
- Sends a message that fraudulent activities will be pursued.
- Could deter future fraudulent claims.
- Reinforces the integrity of unemployment programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased burden on the justice system due to extended investigations and prosecutions.
- Potential for pursuing cases based on limited evidence after a long period.
- Could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may have made unintentional errors.
- The rescission of $5,000,000 could impact other programs or initiatives.
- May lead to increased administrative costs associated with longer investigations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare. By addressing fraud in unemployment programs, the bill aims to ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds. The extended statute of limitations does not appear to violate any specific constitutional protections, as it includes an exception for cases where the original statute has already expired, thus avoiding retroactive application that could raise due process concerns.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).