Joni Ernst: “COVID-19 fraudsters stole at least $200 billion, but time is now running out to hold every single one accountable.…”

“COVID-19 fraudsters stole at least $200 billion, but time is now running out to hold every single one accountable. Starting this week, crooks who defrauded pandemic relief programs are getting away. Both Republicans and Democrats should be working around the clock to send a clear message to fraudsters past, present, and future: There are real consequences to stealing from taxpayers. But Democrats have wanted to press ``snooze'' on passing my SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act. This is the third day fraudsters who stole millions in COVID relief funds have been able to escape justice. You heard me right, folks. Swindlers who took advantage of SBA COVID relief programs are already escaping justice. Every day that passes, another gets away. The clock is ticking, and the countdown is on. My bill simply gives investigators and prosecutors flexibility to do their jobs by extending the statutes of limitation for defrauding the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by 5 years. Congress has already passed an extension of the statutes of limitation for SBA's other COVID relief programs with bipartisan support. This body came together against fraud, and we need to again. Pandemic program fraud investigations have already uncovered $57 billion in fraud and issued 1,200 indictments.”