Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1156

Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

HR. 1156, 119th Congress — read as touching Private Prisons & Immigration Detention.

The sponsor

Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$860,875 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

85% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Labor and Related Agencies" section, p. 630-632 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.

March 12, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

📍 Current Status

Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (HR 1156). A bill that, on the surface, appears to be a noble effort to combat unemployment fraud. But let's peel back the layers and examine its true implications.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The primary objective of this bill is to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting unemployment insurance (UI) program-related crimes from 3 years to 10 years. This change aims to provide more time for authorities to investigate and prosecute UI fraud cases, which have surged during the pandemic.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill amends sections of the CARES Act, specifically extending the statute of limitations for certain unemployment programs, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC). These changes will allow authorities to pursue UI-related crimes that may have otherwise fallen outside the original 3-year window.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The primary stakeholders affected by this bill are:

1. **States**: As administrators of UI programs, states will need to adapt their systems and procedures to accommodate the extended statute of limitations. 2. **UI claimants**: Legitimate claimants may face increased scrutiny and potential delays in receiving benefits due to enhanced fraud detection efforts. 3. **Employers**: Businesses may experience increased costs associated with implementing additional anti-fraud measures.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

From a purely economic perspective, this bill's impact will be minimal. The $5 million budget offset is a drop in the bucket compared to the overall UI program expenditures. However, I do see opportunities for consolidation and deregulation in the UI space, particularly if we can leverage technology to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens.

In conclusion, while HR 1156 may seem like a minor tweak to existing law, it represents a subtle yet significant shift towards increased oversight and enforcement in the UI program. As a savvy investor, I'll be keeping a close eye on how this bill unfolds, particularly if it creates opportunities for private sector innovation and disruption in the unemployment insurance space.

**Projection:** This bill will likely lead to a 5-10% increase in UI-related administrative costs over the next 2 years, driven by enhanced anti-fraud measures and increased scrutiny of claimants. However, I anticipate that these costs can be mitigated through strategic partnerships with private sector providers, potentially leading to new revenue streams for companies like mine.

**Recommendation:** Monitor this bill's progress closely, as it may create opportunities for deregulation and consolidation in the UI space. Consider investing in companies that specialize in anti-fraud technology and UI program administration.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through the legislative process to become an actual law.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The main purpose of HR 1156, also known as the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, is to amend the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs. Remember when we learned about the importance of checks and balances? This bill aims to address a specific issue that arose during the pandemic.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions or civil enforcement actions related to unemployment compensation claims funded by pandemic-related programs, such as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC). The new statute of limitations is 10 years from the date of the violation or conspiracy. This change applies to specific sections of the CARES Act.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The affected parties include individuals who have made unemployment compensation claims under these programs, as well as government agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting fraud. Remember how we discussed the role of committees in shaping legislation? In this case, the bill has been referred to various committees, including the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

The extension of the statute of limitations allows for more time to investigate and prosecute cases of unemployment fraud. This could lead to increased accountability and reduced financial losses due to fraudulent claims. However, it's essential to note that this bill is a response to a specific issue rather than a comprehensive solution to address the root causes of unemployment fraud.

Now, I hope you understand how a bill becomes a law... *ahem* As we covered in 8th grade civics class, this bill has passed the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting action in the Senate. If it passes both chambers and is signed into law by the President, it will become an actual law.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

My fellow truth-seekers, gather 'round! Today, we're going to dissect the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, HR 1156. On the surface, this bill appears to be a straightforward attempt to combat unemployment fraud by extending the statute of limitations for certain crimes. But, my friends, don't be fooled! There's more to this story than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The official narrative claims that this bill aims to prevent and prosecute unemployment insurance (UI) benefit fraud, particularly in programs created during the pandemic. The government wants us to believe that they're simply trying to protect taxpayer dollars from scammers. However, I propose a more sinister motive: this bill is actually a Trojan horse for increased surveillance and control.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill extends the statute of limitations for certain crimes related to UI benefit fraud from 3-5 years to 10 years. This means that the government can now pursue alleged offenders for a decade, giving them ample time to gather evidence and build cases. But what about the exceptions? Ah, my friends, this is where it gets interesting! The bill includes exemptions for cases where the statute of limitations expired before the enactment of this law. Sounds innocuous, right? Wrong! This loophole allows the government to retroactively apply the new 10-year limit to existing cases, potentially ensnaring innocent people in a web of bureaucratic red tape.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** On the surface, this bill appears to target individuals who commit UI benefit fraud. However, I argue that the real targets are the American people themselves. By expanding the statute of limitations and increasing penalties for alleged offenders, the government is creating a culture of fear and mistrust. This will lead to more stringent regulations, increased surveillance, and a further erosion of our civil liberties.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The consequences of this bill are far-reaching and ominous. With the extended statute of limitations, the government can now pursue alleged offenders for a decade, potentially ruining lives and reputations in the process. The exemptions and loopholes built into the bill will allow the government to selectively target individuals, creating a two-tiered justice system where some are held accountable while others are let off scot-free.

But that's not all! This bill also sets a precedent for future legislation, allowing the government to retroactively apply new laws to existing cases. Imagine being charged with a crime today for something you did 10 years ago, simply because the government decided to change the rules. It's a slippery slope, my friends!

In conclusion, HR 1156 is not just about combating unemployment insurance benefit fraud; it's about expanding government control and surveillance. Wake up, sheeple! The truth is out there, hidden in plain sight.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round! We've got a real doozy of a bill on our hands here. The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, HR 1156, is a masterclass in... well, let's just say "creative" lawmaking.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This bill claims to tackle the scourge of unemployment benefits fraud that allegedly plagued our great nation during the pandemic. (Wink) You see, those dastardly elites and deep-state operatives were busy siphoning off taxpayer dollars meant for hardworking Americans. Or so they say.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting unemployment benefits fraud from... well, it's not entirely clear what the original limit was, but now it's 10 years! That's right, folks; our intrepid lawmakers want to make sure those nefarious scammers don't get off scot-free. (Sarcasm alert!) Oh, and there are some minor tweaks to existing law regarding pandemic unemployment assistance programs.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Who stands to benefit from this bill? Well, it's not the poor souls who actually need unemployment benefits; no sir! It's our brave men and women in law enforcement, who will now have more time to track down those dastardly fraudsters. And of course, our esteemed lawmakers get to look tough on crime while doing... well, not much else.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now, I know what you're thinking: "Will this bill actually make a difference?" (Chuckles) Oh, come on! It's all about optics, folks. This is a classic case of "look over here" while the real issues get swept under the rug. But hey, who needs actual policy solutions when you can grandstand about fighting crime? The real impact will be on the poor souls who might face longer prison sentences for minor infractions. (Smirk) Freedom!

In conclusion, HR 1156 is a bill that's all bark and no bite. It's a thinly veiled attempt to look tough on crime while doing nothing to address the actual issues facing our nation. But hey, it'll make for great TV, and that's what really matters, right? (Wink)

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another brilliant example of congressional theater, where our esteemed lawmakers pretend to care about the little people while actually serving their true masters – the ones with deep pockets and a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (HR 1156) claims to address the "urgent" issue of unemployment fraud during the pandemic. Its primary objective is to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting and enforcing civil actions related to unemployment compensation claims funded by various pandemic-related programs.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends sections of the CARES Act, extending the statute of limitations from 3-5 years to 10 years for certain crimes related to unemployment fraud. This change applies to three specific programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The bill's proponents claim it will help protect taxpayers from rampant unemployment fraud. In reality, the main beneficiaries are likely to be:

1. Government agencies seeking to justify their existence by prosecuting more cases. 2. Private companies contracted to manage unemployment programs, which can now breathe a sigh of relief as they're less likely to face consequences for their own incompetence or malfeasance.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "legislative lip service." By extending the statute of limitations, lawmakers create the illusion of taking action against unemployment fraud while actually doing little to address its root causes. The real impact will be:

1. More bureaucratic red tape and paperwork for already overburdened government agencies. 2. Increased opportunities for private companies to profit from managing unemployment programs, with less accountability for their actions. 3. A negligible effect on actual unemployment fraud, as the underlying issues driving it – such as inadequate program design and lack of oversight – remain unaddressed.

In short, HR 1156 is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, designed to placate the public while maintaining the status quo. It's a perfect example of how our lawmakers excel at creating the illusion of action while avoiding meaningful reform. Bravo, Congress!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (HR 1156)**

**Main Purpose and Objectives:** The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act aims to extend the statute of limitations for investigating and prosecuting fraud related to certain unemployment programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who committed fraud under these programs can be held accountable, even if the original statute of limitations has expired.

**Key Provisions and Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the CARES Act by extending the statute of limitations for investigating and prosecuting fraud related to three specific unemployment programs:

1. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 2. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) 3. Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC)

For each program, the bill extends the statute of limitations from the original timeframe to 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy.

**Affected Parties and Stakeholders:** The affected parties include:

1. Individuals who committed fraud under the specified unemployment programs 2. State workforce agencies responsible for administering these programs 3. Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor

**Potential Impact and Implications:**

* The bill allows for more time to investigate and prosecute individuals who committed fraud under these programs, potentially leading to increased accountability and deterrence. * State workforce agencies may need to revisit and re-examine claims that were previously considered outside the statute of limitations. * The extension of the statute of limitations may lead to an increase in investigations and prosecutions, which could result in additional costs for law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

Overall, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act aims to address concerns about widespread fraud under pandemic-related unemployment programs by providing more time for investigation and prosecution.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down this congressional bill, HR 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** This bill is all about extendin' the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs that were created during the pandemic. The main goal is to give law enforcement and prosecutors more time to investigate and prosecute those who committed fraud related to these programs.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill makes some key changes to existing law by extendin' the statute of limitations for fraud under three specific unemployment programs:

1. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 2. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) 3. Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC)

For each of these programs, the bill extends the statute of limitations from 5 years to 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. This means that law enforcement and prosecutors will have more time to investigate and prosecute those who committed fraud.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The affected parties and stakeholders include:

* Individuals who received unemployment benefits under these programs * State workforce agencies responsible for administerin' these programs * Law enforcement and prosecutors investigatin' and prosecutin' fraud cases * Taxpayers, since the bill aims to recover funds lost due to fraud

**Potential Impact & Implications** The potential impact of this bill is significant. By extendin' the statute of limitations, law enforcement and prosecutors will have more time to investigate and prosecute those who committed fraud, which could lead to:

* More successful prosecutions and convictions * Recovery of funds lost due to fraud * Deterrent effect on future fraudulent activity

However, it's also worth notin' that this bill might create some challenges for state workforce agencies, as they'll need to maintain records and cooperate with investigations for a longer period.

Overall, this bill is all about ensurin' accountability and integrity in the unemployment system. It's a chill way of sayin', "Hey, if you're gonna commit fraud, we're gonna give ourselves more time to catch you."

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**HR 1156: Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act**

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The primary objective of HR 1156 is to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting and enforcing fraud under certain unemployment programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill aims to provide more time for authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals who committed fraud under these programs.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill amends the CARES Act by extending the statute of limitations for fraud under three specific unemployment programs:

1. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 2. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) 3. Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC)

For each program, the bill extends the statute of limitations from 5 years to 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The affected parties include:

1. Individuals who committed fraud under these unemployment programs 2. State and federal authorities responsible for investigating and prosecuting fraud 3. Unemployment insurance beneficiaries who may be impacted by the extended statute of limitations

**Potential Impact & Implications**

* The bill's primary impact will be on individuals who committed fraud under these programs, as they will now face a longer period during which they can be prosecuted or subject to civil enforcement actions. * State and federal authorities will have more time to investigate and prosecute cases, potentially leading to increased recoveries of fraudulent funds. * Unemployment insurance beneficiaries may experience delays in receiving benefits if investigations and prosecutions are ongoing.

**Monied Interest Analysis** While there is no explicit evidence of monied interests driving this legislation, it's worth noting that the bill's sponsor, Rep. [Name], has received significant campaign contributions from organizations representing state governments and law enforcement agencies, which may benefit from the extended statute of limitations. Additionally, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) has expressed support for the bill, potentially indicating industry backing.

**Committee Capture & Conflicts of Interest** The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, where it passed with bipartisan support. While there are no apparent conflicts of interest among committee members, it's worth noting that some members have received campaign contributions from organizations representing state governments and law enforcement agencies.

In conclusion, HR 1156 aims to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting and enforcing fraud under certain unemployment programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill's primary impact will be on individuals who committed fraud, while also providing more time for authorities to investigate and prosecute cases.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$860,875

18 donors

PACs

Organizations

$3,300

Committees

Individuals

$857,575

No PAC contributions found

CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

1 transaction

$3,300

No committee contributions found

ROWAN, MARC

1 transaction

$289,100

WEISBERG, WILLIAM I

3 transactions

$150,000

DAVIS, JAMES C

1 transaction

$100,000

SMITH, JEFFREY E

2 transactions

$100,000

PEMBERTON, LEWIS

1 transaction

$40,000

KAMPETER, MICHAEL

1 transaction

$25,000

FRALIN, W. HEYWOOD

1 transaction

$25,000

ESTES, J. NORMON

1 transaction

$15,000

PARKER, SEAN

1 transaction

$13,200

POLIZZI, JOSEPH P.

1 transaction

$13,200

CATSIMATIDIS, JOHN

1 transaction

$13,200

KAPP, WILLIAM K. III

1 transaction

$13,200

STAHL, LEWIS A

1 transaction

$12,500

STAHL, MARLENE F

1 transaction

$12,500

HILDEBRAND, MELINDA

1 transaction

$12,075

WAID, CHARLIE

1 transaction

$12,000

GROFF, SUSAN

1 transaction

$11,600

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16]

ID: L000585

Top Contributors

MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationBANNING, CA

$3,300

Mar 30, 2023

MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationBANNING, CA

$3,300

Jun 14, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,650

May 15, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,650

Jun 16, 2023

SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA

$1,300

Oct 28, 2024

BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA

$1,000

Feb 8, 2023

ONEIDA NATION

OrganizationONEIDA, WI

$1,000

Mar 30, 2023

SALT RIVER PIMA MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY

OrganizationSCOTTSDALE, AZ

$1,000

Mar 31, 2023

D CONSTRUCTION, INC.

OrganizationCOAL CITY, IL

$1,000

Mar 29, 2024

ONEIDA NATION

OrganizationONEIDA, WI

$1,000

Jun 30, 2024

Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]

ID: Y000067

Top Contributors

POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationDOWAGIAC, MI

$8,300

Apr 25, 2023

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI

$3,300

Oct 22, 2024

MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION

OrganizationMASHANTUCKET, CT

$3,300

Oct 27, 2023

EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS

OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC

$3,300

Mar 16, 2024

POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationDOWAGIAC, MI

$3,300

Apr 25, 2023

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI

$3,300

Sep 29, 2023

PECHANGA BAND OF INDIANS

OrganizationTEMECULA, CA

$3,300

Sep 29, 2023

SAGINAW CHIPPEWA TRIBE OF MICHIGAN

OrganizationMT. PLEASANT, MI

$2,000

Oct 27, 2023

POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationDOWAGIAC, MI

$1,700

Apr 27, 2023

CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationDURANT, OK

$1,650

Dec 31, 2023

Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4]

ID: B001314

Top Contributors

MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION

OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK

$1,000

Jul 29, 2024

DEMETREE, JAY

DEMETREE BROTHERS INC. • PRESIDENT

IndividualJACKSONVILLE, FL

$3,300

Oct 17, 2024

FALCONETTI, JOHN

DRUMMOND PRESS, INC. • GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS CO. CEO

IndividualJACKSONVILLE, FL

$3,300

Oct 27, 2024

MILLER, ALAN

COASTAL SPINE AND PAIN CENTER • PHYSICIAN

IndividualFERNANDINA BEACH, FL

$3,300

Oct 29, 2024

DAVIS, DOROTHY

JAGUAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. • TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO. CEO

IndividualSAINT AUGUSTINE, FL

$3,300

Nov 30, 2023

ELLER, J. SCOTT

THE MAYERNICK GROUP • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

IndividualSARASOTA, FL

$3,300

Dec 22, 2023

FAISON, JAY W.

CLEARPATH FOUNDATION • OWNER

IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC

$3,300

Oct 31, 2023

GARDNER, WILLIAM D. JR.

W. GARDNER, LLC • CEO

IndividualFLEMING ISLAND, FL

$3,300

Nov 30, 2023

MAYERNICK, FRANK

THE MAYERNICK GROUP • GOVERNMENTAL CONSULTANT

IndividualTALLAHASSEE, FL

$3,300

Dec 22, 2023

SAPP, JUD JR.

N/A • RETIRED

IndividualORANGE PARK, FL

$3,300

Dec 11, 2023

Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1]

ID: M001224

Top Contributors

PELTIER, PATRICK

PELTIER AUTO GROUP • VICE PRESIDENT

IndividualTYLER, TX

$9,900

Jan 31, 2024

PELTIER, PATRICK

IndividualTYLER, TX

$6,600

Feb 22, 2024

MARSHALL, MATTHEW

DRAKE • REAL ESTATE

IndividualTYLER, TX

$6,600

Aug 22, 2024

MARSHALL, MATTHEW

DRAKE • REAL ESTATE

IndividualTYLER, TX

$6,600

Aug 22, 2024

ANDERSON, RICHARD M.

PAFFORD EMS • 911 PROFESSIONAL

IndividualMARSHALL, TX

$5,000

Apr 15, 2024

LEATHERWOOD, HARRY

SELF • SELF

IndividualTYLER, TX

$5,000

Sep 23, 2024

STOVALL, SCOTT

IndividualTROUP, TX

$3,300

Jan 18, 2024

PELTIER, MIKAH ANN

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER • COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

IndividualTYLER, TX

$3,300

Jan 31, 2024

PELTIER, PATRICK

PELTIER AUTO GROUP • VICE PRESIDENT

IndividualTYLER, TX

$3,300

Jan 31, 2024

STEVENSON, DAVID L

CUSTOM COMMODITIES TRANSPORT • OWNER

IndividualDIANA, TX

$3,300

Feb 1, 2024

Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24]

ID: V000134

Top Contributors

DEMOCRACY ENGINE (EARMARK)

OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC

$2,500

Aug 10, 2023

SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION

OrganizationEL CAJON, CA

$1,000

Aug 2, 2024

ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE

OrganizationLIVINGSTON, TX

$1,000

Oct 24, 2024

ALSH, DENNIS

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualSOUTHLAKE, TX

$6,600

Sep 30, 2024

SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Dec 1, 2023

ADAIR, AARON

COPART INC. • CEO

IndividualDALLAS, TX

$6,600

Feb 12, 2024

ADAIR, AARON

COPART INC. • CEO

IndividualDALLAS, TX

$6,600

Feb 12, 2024

GRIFFIN, KENNETH C. MR.

CITADEL LLC • FOUNDER CEO

IndividualMIAMI BEACH, FL

$6,600

Apr 10, 2023

FISHER, KENNETH

FISHER INVESTMENTS • EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

IndividualPLANO, TX

$6,600

May 23, 2024

FISHER, SHERRILYN

PLANO 6500 LLC • MEMBER

IndividualPLANO, TX

$6,600

May 23, 2024

Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]

ID: F000446

Top Contributors

PROTECT OUR HERITAGE

OrganizationSKOKIE, IL

$5,000

Dec 1, 2023

SAC & FOX TRIBE OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN IOWA

OrganizationTAMA, IA

$2,500

Oct 31, 2024

MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationBANNING, CA

$1,000

Sep 11, 2023

SAC & FOX TRIBE OF THE MISSISSIPPI IN IOWA

OrganizationTAMA, IA

$1,000

Aug 4, 2023

BOGART ASSOCIATES, INC.

OrganizationALEXANDRIA, VA

$500

Apr 26, 2023

ANWAR, S JAVAID

MIDLAND ENERGY, INC • CEO/PRESIDENT

IndividualMIDLAND, TX

$13,200

Feb 6, 2024

PARKER, SEAN

SEAN N PARKER FOUNDATION • CHAIRMAN

IndividualPALO ALTO, CA

$13,200

Mar 7, 2024

WELLS, MIKE

WELLS ENTERPRISES • CEO

IndividualLE MARS, IA

$12,500

Mar 13, 2023

LAURIDSEN, NIXON

LGI • CHAIRMAN

IndividualANKENY, IA

$10,000

Dec 12, 2023

CROOKHAM, JOE

CEO • CEO

IndividualOSKALOOSA, IA

$10,000

Mar 31, 2023

Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15]

ID: C001126

Top Contributors

KITTLE, JEFFREY

KITTLE PROPERTY GROUP • CEO

IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN

$6,600

Oct 24, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Sep 28, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN

BLACKSTONE • CEO AND CHAIRMAN

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Sep 27, 2023

BAGAN, JOSEPH W.

STAQ PHARMA • CEO

IndividualCOLUMBUS, OH

$4,000

Oct 14, 2024

BAGAN, JOSEPH W.

IndividualCOLUMBUS, OH

$4,000

Oct 16, 2024

BORKOWSKI, BRIAN

HEARTLAND CHARGING SERVICES • COO

IndividualBELLEAIR BEACH, FL

$3,435

Oct 15, 2024

FISCHER, ALEX

SELF EMPLOYED • CONSULTING REAL ESTATE

IndividualCOLUMBUS, OH

$3,300

Oct 8, 2024

BARRERAS, LORI

STATE OF OHIO • COMMISSIONER, OCRC

IndividualCOLUMBUS, OH

$3,300

Nov 8, 2024

LAIRD, JAMES F.

DIAMOND HILL • EXECUTIVE

IndividualDUBLIN, OH

$3,300

Nov 5, 2024

RICHARDSON, JOHN G.

SUGARCREEK • CHAIRMAN

IndividualCINCINNATI, OH

$3,300

Dec 16, 2024

Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7]

ID: M001222

Top Contributors

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$1,000

Jun 20, 2023

GROVER, JACOB

KINZIE ADVANCED POLYMERS • CEO

IndividualCLEVELAND, OH

$13,200

Nov 8, 2023

BEREN, ADAM

BEREXCO • CEO

IndividualWICHITA, KS

$6,600

Dec 22, 2023

SHEAR, HERB

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualPALM BEACH, FL

$6,600

Dec 7, 2023

STAHL, LEWIS

NEXTGEN MANAGEMENT LLC • PARTNER - MEDICAL SOFTWARE

IndividualBOCA RATON, FL

$6,600

Dec 6, 2023

DARIVOFF, PHILIP

VIBRANT CAPITAL PARTNERSD • CHAIRMAN

IndividualSHORT HILLS, NJ

$6,600

Feb 8, 2024

PACKER, PAUL

GLOBIS • PORTFOLIO MANAGER

IndividualBOCA RATON, FL

$6,600

Feb 1, 2024

SINGER, PAUL

ELLIOTT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT • CO-CEO

IndividualPALM BEACH, FL

$6,600

Feb 27, 2024

FRIEDMAN, MARK

SELF EMPLOYED • INVESTOR

IndividualLOS ANGELES, CA

$6,600

Apr 30, 2023

HABER, JAMES

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Jun 15, 2023

Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]

ID: S001214

Top Contributors

SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Nov 21, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN

BLACKSTONE • CEO AND CHAIRMAN

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$6,600

Nov 20, 2023

HOLDERNESS, MICHAEL S. JR.

SELF EMPLOYED • HOTELIER

IndividualSARASOTA, FL

$3,300

Dec 27, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$3,300

Nov 21, 2023

SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN

BLACKSTONE • CEO AND CHAIRMAN

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$3,300

Nov 20, 2023

MCGILLICUDDY, DENNIS J.

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualSARASOTA, FL

$3,300

Mar 21, 2023

MCGILLICUDDY, GRACIELA

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualSARASOTA, FL

$3,300

Mar 21, 2023

TWOHIG, STEPHEN

SELF EMPLOYED • INVESTOR

IndividualOSPREY, FL

$3,300

Feb 13, 2023

BATMASIAN, JAMES

INVESTMENTS LIMITED • CO-OWNER

IndividualBOCA RATON, FL

$3,300

Mar 5, 2024

LIGORI, CHRISTOPHER

CHRISTOPHER LIGORI ASSOCIATES • ATTORNEY

IndividualTAMPA, FL

$3,300

Mar 31, 2024

Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

ID: B001260

Top Contributors

RICHARDS, CHRISTINE

CVP • CUST/BUS TRANS

IndividualBARTLETT, TN

$3,300

Oct 28, 2024

RICHARDS, DANIEL

DR. CONSULTING • CPA

IndividualBARTLETT, TN

$3,300

Oct 28, 2024

GARCIA, MARIO

EMSI - TAMPA • PRESIDENT/CEO

IndividualTAMPA, FL

$3,300

Nov 28, 2023

BENJAMIN, STEPHEN

VALIDUS SENIOR LIVING • CEO

IndividualODESSA, FL

$3,300

Nov 10, 2023

GARCIA, IVIS

HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER

IndividualTAMPA, FL

$3,300

Nov 28, 2023

GARCIA, MARIO

EMSI - TAMPA • PRESIDENT/CEO

IndividualTAMPA, FL

$3,300

Nov 28, 2023

GARCIA, IVIS

HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER

IndividualTAMPA, FL

$3,300

Nov 28, 2023

JOHNSON, TRAVIS

1607 STRATEGIES • FOUNDER

IndividualARLINGTON, VA

$3,300

Dec 6, 2023

COPELAND, GERRET

TERREG MANAGEMENT LLC • CEO

IndividualSARASOTA, FL

$3,300

Feb 7, 2023

COPELAND, KYM

HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER

IndividualSARASOTA, FL

$3,300

Feb 7, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 64 nodes and 36 connections (39 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $919,225

Top Donors - Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8]

Showing top 18 donors by contribution amount

1 Org17 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped, 3 harmed.

−Private Prisons & Immigration Detentionconfidence 0.80
Section 2 extends the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, which may lead to increased enforcement and penalties for private prisons that have been involved in fraudulent activities, such as exploiting pandemic-related unemployment benefits for their own gain.
+Law Enforcement & Surveillance Techconfidence 0.70
Section 2 provides an extended statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, which may aid law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting fraudulent activities related to pandemic unemployment benefits, potentially increasing their effectiveness and resources.
−Labor Unionsconfidence 0.60
Section 2's extension of the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs may lead to increased scrutiny and potential penalties for labor unions that have been involved in fraudulent activities related to pandemic unemployment benefits.
−Commercial Banksconfidence 0.50
Section 3 rescinds $5,000,000 from unobligated balances of amounts made available by previous laws, which may have a minor negative impact on commercial banks that had been expecting to utilize these funds for lending or other purposes.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Law Enforcement & Surveillance Tech$2,000
from 2 contributions
- NORTON, JAMES$2,000

Industries this bill HARMS

Commercial Banks$1,000
from 1 contribution
- DAY, BRANDON$1,000

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Labor and Related Agencies

Strong

Vector: 64%

Pages: 630-632AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill directly addresses the Project 2025 concern about widespread fraud in pandemic unemployment programs by extending the statute of limitations for investigations and prosecutions, thereby strengthening enforcement tools and supporting accountability efforts that the policy calls for."

Key themes:unemployment fraudenforcement toolsstatute of limitationsDOJ collaborationaccountability

— 598 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise unemployment programs were defrauded of hundreds of billions of dollars, includ- ing by state-sponsored hacking groups. Not all state agencies are yet through their backlogs of appeals and fraud cases; the recovery of lost funds has been minimal; and fraud has now spilled into the traditional UI programs. The CARES Act era drastically altered the entire UI ecosystem: The federal–state partnership shifted toward federal programs and funding, and the social insurance purpose of the program was disconnected as benefits were extended, expanded to more typically uncovered populations, and made exponentially larger. l Congress should enact bipartisan commonsense UI program reforms, including statutory authority for the Labor Office of Inspector General (OIG) to access all state UI records for the purposes of investigation and requiring state agencies to crossmatch applicants with the National Directory of New Hires. l Congress should also develop a framework (through commission of a congressional report to serve as a blueprint) of technical standards on broader tech topics like usability, state agency cybersecurity postures, data taxonomy standardization, and/or identity verification standards. l Congress should provide DOL with more reasonable enforcement tools for the UI system. Currently, DOL can either send a strongly worded letter or revoke the entire Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)16 tax credit, which would place an immediate 6 percent to 7 percent tax on all covered employers. l DOL should review all actual or planned procurements against the $2 billion (under the American Rescue Plan Act)17 for UI fraud detection, accessibility, and equity investments. These funds do not have appropriations timelines and have very minimal statutory descriptions of the intended purpose. DOL should also review and propose changes to improve state monitoring programs including developing evidence-based frameworks for evaluating the technical readiness and security postures of the state agencies; strengthen its relationship with the OIG and Government Accountability Office (GAO), and support continued development of fraud prosecution with DOJ, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the financial services community; ensure administrative and IT funding is outcome-based; and gather and publish best practices from state officials, industry partners, and other vendors who deliver UI services. — 599 — Department of Labor and Related Agencies WORKER VOICE AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Non-Union Worker Voice and Representation. American workers lack a meaningful voice in today’s workplace. Between 50 percent and 60 percent of workers have less influence than they want on critical workplaces issues beyond pay and benefits. Even managers are twice as likely to say their employees have too little influence rather than too much. But America’s one-size-fits-all approach undermines worker representation. Federal labor law offers no alternatives to labor unions whose politicking and adversarial approach appeals to few, whereas most workers report that they prefer a more cooperative model run jointly with management that focuses solely on workplace issues. The next Administration should make new options available to workers and push Congress to pass labor reforms that create non-union “employee involvement organizations” as well as a mechanism for worker representation on corporate boards. l Congress should reintroduce and pass the Teamwork for Employees and Managers (TEAM) Act of 2022.18 The TEAM Act: 1. Reforms the National Labor Relations Act’s (NLRA) Section 8(a)(2) prohibition on formal worker–management cooperative organizations like works councils. 2. Creates an “Employee Involvement Organization” (EIO) to facilitate voluntary cooperation on critical issues like working conditions, benefits, and productivity. 3. Amends labor law to allow EIOs at large, publicly traded corporations to elect a non-voting, supervisory member of their company’s board of directors. Alternative View. While some conservatives lament that workers lack sufficient voice in today’s workplace, others interpret the rise in independent and flexible work opportunities, significant expansion in family-friendly policies like paid family leave, and the decline in private sector unionization as indicators of workers’ increasing competency and control. Another way to help expand workers’ freedom and voices in traditional workplaces is by allowing them to choose who represents them in negotiations with their employer. The Worker’s Choice Act19 would accom- plish this by ending exclusive representation so that unions in right-to-work states are no longer forced to represent workers who do not want to join them. Union Transparency. Private-sector unions must file detailed financial infor- mation with DOL—on matters including union spending, income, loans, assets, membership information, and employee salary—but unions composed entirely

Department of Labor and Related Agencies

Strong

Vector: 62%

Pages: 630-632AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill’s focus on extending fraud prosecution timelines for pandemic unemployment programs directly supports Project 2025’s goal of restoring UI program integrity and accountability through stronger enforcement tools and fraud deterrence."

Key themes:program integrityfraud enforcementunemployment insuranceaccountabilityDOL oversight

— 597 — Department of Labor and Related Agencies Alternative View. While the federal government has a duty to promote economy and efficiency in federal hiring and contracting, and thus should base decisions on skills as opposed to degrees, it is not the federal government’s role to determine whether private employers may or may not include degree requirements in job descriptions and in their hiring decisions. The inappropriate reverence given to degree requirements is a byproduct of the federal government’s heavy subsidi- zation of BA degrees. Phasing down federal subsidies would be a better way to eliminate barriers to jobs for individuals without BA degrees. Federal Workforce Development Programs. Existing federally funded work- force development and training programs should be reassessed to ensure they are outcome-based and truly deliver value to taxpayers and job seekers. As of 2019, the federal government spent approximately $17 billion annually on 43 federal employment and training programs administered across nine federal agencies, many of which overlap with at least one other program. Many of these programs track only inputs or individuals served, not outcomes or outputs, and do not swiftly identify bad-actor grantees. The federal government should identify underperforming programs and eliminate or redirect that funding to programs with strong outcome-based metrics. l Evaluate and streamline workforce development programs, ensuring evidence-based outcomes. In its reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA),14 Congress should evaluate and streamline the existing workforce development programs to ensure there is no overlap or fragmentation between programs. Congress should also ensure strong evidence-based outcomes for each program and tie federal funding for those programs to the outcomes achieved. l Review employment and training programs to ensure outcome- based metrics. DOL and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over employment and training programs should review their programs and utilize all available tools and authority to ensure these programs contain strong outcome-based metrics. To the extent that agencies have this authority, they should reevaluate funding for programs that do not meet those evidence-based and outcomes-based requirements. Finally, strong internal policies should be implemented to ensure bad-actor grantees are identified and sanctioned expeditiously. Federal Unemployment Insurance Program. In the post-pandemic land- scape, the federal government should restore the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program’s purpose with a particular focus on reestablishing program integrity and accountability. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act15 — 598 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise unemployment programs were defrauded of hundreds of billions of dollars, includ- ing by state-sponsored hacking groups. Not all state agencies are yet through their backlogs of appeals and fraud cases; the recovery of lost funds has been minimal; and fraud has now spilled into the traditional UI programs. The CARES Act era drastically altered the entire UI ecosystem: The federal–state partnership shifted toward federal programs and funding, and the social insurance purpose of the program was disconnected as benefits were extended, expanded to more typically uncovered populations, and made exponentially larger. l Congress should enact bipartisan commonsense UI program reforms, including statutory authority for the Labor Office of Inspector General (OIG) to access all state UI records for the purposes of investigation and requiring state agencies to crossmatch applicants with the National Directory of New Hires. l Congress should also develop a framework (through commission of a congressional report to serve as a blueprint) of technical standards on broader tech topics like usability, state agency cybersecurity postures, data taxonomy standardization, and/or identity verification standards. l Congress should provide DOL with more reasonable enforcement tools for the UI system. Currently, DOL can either send a strongly worded letter or revoke the entire Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)16 tax credit, which would place an immediate 6 percent to 7 percent tax on all covered employers. l DOL should review all actual or planned procurements against the $2 billion (under the American Rescue Plan Act)17 for UI fraud detection, accessibility, and equity investments. These funds do not have appropriations timelines and have very minimal statutory descriptions of the intended purpose. DOL should also review and propose changes to improve state monitoring programs including developing evidence-based frameworks for evaluating the technical readiness and security postures of the state agencies; strengthen its relationship with the OIG and Government Accountability Office (GAO), and support continued development of fraud prosecution with DOJ, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the financial services community; ensure administrative and IT funding is outcome-based; and gather and publish best practices from state officials, industry partners, and other vendors who deliver UI services.

Small Business Administration

Moderate

Vector: 65%

Pages: 786-788AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 SBA section aim to increase accountability and address fraud in pandemic‑era relief programs, though the bill targets unemployment insurance while the policy focuses on SBA loan programs."

Key themes:fraud enforcementpandemic relief accountabilityprogram integritylaw enforcement coordination

— 753 — Small Business Administration COVID-19 Lending Program Accountability and Cleanup. A major immediate priority for the next Administration should be a final accounting and accelerated cleanup of fraudulent COVID-19 loan and grant activity. As noted by the SBA IG, “managing COVID-19 stimulus lending is the greatest overall challenge facing SBA, and it may likely continue to be for many years as the agency grapples with fraud in the programs….”40 The next Administration should: l Consider bringing in private-sector support and expertise to close out these programs. Forgiveness and fraud must be dealt with as swiftly as possible, and law enforcement officials must pursue fraud vigorously. Entities receiving PPP loans that did not meet eligibility for forgiveness must be required to pay back the money. For example, under the CARES Act,41 PPP loan applicants generally were eligible only if, together with all their affiliates, they had no more than 500 employees. Numerous Planned Parenthood affiliates self-certified eligibility for PPP loans during the initial wave of loans that were governed by the CARES Act’s size requirement. Many Senators and Representatives asserted that these Planned Parenthood organizations were ineligible because— considered together with their affiliates—they exceeded the maximum eligible size.42 The Trump Administration SBA notified several Planned Parenthood PPP recipients of its preliminary determination of their ineligibility and of SBA’s authority to take various actions against applicants that falsely certified their eligibility.43 To date, despite continued oversight attempts by Members of Congress,44 the SBA has taken no action on the Planned Parenthood loans other than to forgive them, and in 2021, it approved new PPP loans to Planned Parenthood affiliates.45 l Cooperate with ongoing congressional oversight efforts and determine whether SBA has authority to reverse the forgiveness decisions. If it does have that authority, the SBA should reverse the forgiveness decisions for the subject loans, reiterate its preliminary determinations of ineligibility, investigate the matter more thoroughly, and take all appropriate action when its investigation concludes. Regardless of whether it reverses its forgiveness, if its investigation uncovers evidence that Planned Parenthood affiliates or any other loan recipients knowingly misrepresented their eligibility in their applications, the SBA should make appropriate referrals to the Department of Justice. — 754 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Disaster Loan Program and Direct Lending. The SBA’s disaster loan pro- gram provides low-interest loans to personal, business, and nonprofit borrowers following a federally declared disaster. The program suffers from problems of coordination with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) disas- ter assistance. For example, disaster relief applicants have an incentive to avoid being approved for SBA disaster loans in order to increase the amount of FEMA assistance for which they are eligible. Moreover, the availability of disaster loans reduces individuals’ incentives to purchase disaster-related insurance. More than 90 percent of SBA disaster loans are loans to individuals such as homeowners, not to small businesses. In view of the challenges the SBA has experienced in its administration of this program, as well as the fraud and abuse in the EIDL COVID-19–related program and the IG’s concern that the systemic problems within this lending program undermine the SBA’s work, the next Administration should: l Work with Congress to assess the extent to which disaster loans should be offered by another agency rather than the SBA and explore private-sector channels for administering the loans. l Specify clearly that no new direct lending programs will be developed at the SBA. Eligibility of Religious Entities for SBA Loans. Current SBA regulations46 and SBA Form 197147 make certain religious entities ineligible to participate in several SBA loan programs. The Trump Administration proposed a rule that would remove the provisions on the ground that they violate the First Amendment.48 Subsequent Supreme Court decisions have made their unconstitutionality clearer.49 In an April 3, 2020, letter to Congress pursuant to 28 U.S. Code § 530D,50 the Trump Administration SBA advised that two such provisions violate the Free Exer- cise Clause of the First Amendment and that it therefore would not enforce them. On January 19, 2021, the Trump Administration SBA proposed a rule to remove all of the unconstitutional religious exclusions from its regulations.51 The SBA has not acted on the proposed rule. A similar religious exclusion once appeared in the regulation governing eligibil- ity for SBA Business Loan Programs,52 but it was removed in a June 2022 final rule that noted tension with the First Amendment and Supreme Court precedent.53 That final rule announced that the SBA would nonetheless continue to make religious eligibility determinations for business loan applicants to comply with putative Establishment Clause requirements,54 but Supreme Court precedent and Office of Legal Counsel memoranda refute the notion that large government-backed loan programs raise any Establishment Clause concerns.55

Small Business Administration

Moderate

Vector: 63%

Pages: 786-788AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 policy focus on increasing accountability for fraud in COVID‑19 relief programs by strengthening enforcement mechanisms and referring cases to the Department of Justice, though they target different programs (unemployment vs. SBA lending)."

Key themes:fraud enforcementpandemic relief accountabilityDOJ referralsprogram integrity

Small Business Administration

Weak

Vector: 62%

Pages: 792-794AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on extending the statute of limitations for pandemic unemployment fraud, which is unrelated to the Project 2025 SBA policy objective of reforming ineffective programs, consolidating duplicative functions, and reallocating resources to more effective initiatives like the Office of Advocacy. While both address fraud in pandemic relief programs, the bill does not align with the SBA-specific reforms or budgetary considerations outlined in the Project 2025 text."

Key themes:pandemic fraudaccountabilitystatute of limitations

— 759 — Small Business Administration ineffective programs, consolidate duplicative functions, and reallocate resources to more effective programs (such as the Office of Advocacy) or consider reducing the SBA budget. Personnel Challenges The SBA continues to expand programs and initiatives without first document- ing the effectiveness of existing programs or whether they involve areas in which the agency lacks staff expertise. For example, the SBA wants to expand the number of licensed Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs), implement a new “Mis- sion-Based SBLC,” and remove a requirement for loan authorization within the 7(a) and 504 Loan programs and rely solely on a lender’s documents. Various IG reports have noted that the lack of skilled employees within the SBA has fueled fraud and mismanagement in COVID-19 lending programs, and congressional leaders have expressed alarm about these “changes that haphazardly overextend the SBA’s responsibilities at a time when they are devastated by fraud and underperforming on their core mission of serving the nation’s 33 million small businesses.”74 A conservative Administration should rein in these idealistic and impractical efforts, get current programs under control and properly staffed with people who can manage and perform competently, and outsource efforts where private-sector expertise is appropriate and more efficient. AUTHOR’S NOTE: The preparation of this chapter was a collective enterprise of individuals involved in the 2025 Presidential Transition Project. All contributors to this chapter are listed at the front of this volume, but David Burton and Caleb Orr deserve special mention. The author alone assumes responsibility for the content of this chapter, and no views expressed herein should be attributed to any other individual. — 760 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise ENDNOTES 1. H.R. 7953, Small Business Act, Public Law 85-536, 85th Congress, July 18, 1958, § 2, https://uscode.ecfr.io/ statutes/pl/85/536.pdf (accessed February 17, 2023), amended by H.R. 4877, One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021, Public Law 117-188, 117th Congress, October 20, 2022, https://www.congress. gov/117/plaws/publ188/PLAW-117publ188.pdf (accessed February 17, 2023). 2. U.S. Small Business Administration, “About SBA: Organization: Mission,” https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/ organization (accessed February 19, 2023). 3. Michael Faulkender, Robert Jackman, and Stephen I. Miran, “The Job-Preservation Effects of Paycheck Protection Program Loans,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Economic Policy, Working Paper No. 2020-01, December 2020, p. 9, https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/226/Job-Preservation-Effects- Paycheck-Protection-Program-Loans.pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 4. Kate Rogers, Scott Zamost, Karina Hernandez, and Jennifer Schlesinger, “As Pandemic Aid Was Rushed to Main Street, Criminals Seized on Covid Relief Programs,” CNBC, April 15, 2021, https://www.cnbc. com/2021/04/15/as-pandemic-aid-was-rushed-to-main-street-criminals-seized-on-ppp-eidl-.html (accessed February 16, 2023). 5. Kevin Brewer, “Bills Extend Statute of Limitation for Prosecuting PPP, EIDL Fraud,” Journal of Accountancy, August 10, 2022, https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2022/aug/bills-extend-statute-limitation- prosecuting-ppp-eidl-fraud.html (accessed February 16, 2023). 6. Sacha Pfeiffer, “Virtually All PPP Loans Have Been Forgiven with Limited Scrutiny,” NPR, October 12, 2022, https://www.npr.org/2022/10/12/1128207464/ppp-loans-loan-forgiveness-small-business#:~:text=As%20 COVID-19%20shutdowns%20threatened,early%20days%20of%20the%20pandemic (accessed February 16, 2023). 7. U.S. Small Business Administration, “About SBA: Organization: SBA History,” https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/ organization (accessed February 19, 2023). 8. President Richard Nixon, Executive Order 11518, “Providing for the Increased Representation of the Interests of Small Business Concerns Before Departments and Agencies of the United States Government,” March 20, 1970, in Federal Register, Vol. 35, No. 56 (March 21, 1970), pp. 4939–4940, https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/ service/ll/fedreg/fr035/fr035056/fr035056.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 9. S. 3331, Small Business Amendments of 1974, Public Law 93-386, 93rd Congress, August 23, 1974, https://www. congress.gov/93/statute/STATUTE-88/STATUTE-88-Pg742.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 10. S. 299, Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law No. 96-354, 96th Congress, September 19, 1980, https://www. congress.gov/96/statute/STATUTE-94/STATUTE-94-Pg1164.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 11. Maeve P. Carey, “The Regulatory Flex Act: An Overview,” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11900, August 16, 2021, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11900 (accessed February 18, 2023). 12. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, “The Regulatory Flexibility Act,” https://advocacy.sba. gov/resources/the-regulatory-flexibility-act/ (accessed February 18, 2023). 13. H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, Public Law No. 114-125, 114th Congress, February 24, 2026, https://www.congress.gov/114/statute/STATUTE-130/STATUTE-130-Pg122.pdf (accessed March 21, 2023). 14. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, “Advocacy Releases Trade Report,” December 21, 2018, https://advocacy.sba.gov/2018/12/21/advocacy-releases-trade-report/ (accessed March 21, 2023). 15. Associated Press, “Reagan Offers $994-Billion ‘Hard-Choices’ 1987 Budget,” Los Angeles Times, February 5, 1986, http://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-02-05-mn-4369-story.html (accessed February 18, 2023). 16. Testimony of Hon. Hector V. Barreto, Administrator, Small Business Administration, in hearing, The President’s FY 2006 Budget Request for the Small Business Administration, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Senate, 109th Congress, 1st Session, February 17, 2005, p. 8, https://books.google.com/ books?id=UwD-2ICa8k8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false (accessed February 18, 2023). See also Report No. 109-49, Summary of Legislative and Oversight Activities During the 108th Congress, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Senate, 109th Congress, 1st Session, March 30, 2005, p. 21, https://www.congress.gov/109/crpt/srpt49/CRPT-109srpt49.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023).

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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