WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 1156

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

119th Congress Introduced by Jodey Arrington and 25 co-sponsors

The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting unemployment fraud from 5 to 10 years, enhancing law enforcement's ability to combat fraud.

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1156

Summary of HR 1156: Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

Purpose and Intent

The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (H.R. 1156) aims to strengthen the enforcement of laws against fraudulent claims related to unemployment benefits provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud in unemployment programs from five years to ten years, allowing law enforcement more time to investigate and prosecute cases of fraud.

Key Provisions

  • Extension of Statute of Limitations:

    • The bill amends several sections of the CARES Act, specifically:
    • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
    • Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
    • Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC)
    • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
    • It establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions related to fraudulent claims under these programs.
    • Exceptions are included for cases where the statute of limitations had already expired prior to the enactment of this bill.

  • Budget Offset:

    • The bill rescinds $5 million from unobligated balances of previously allocated funds to offset the budget impact of the legislation.

  • Effective Date:

    • The amendments will take effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: The extension of the statute of limitations will empower federal law enforcement to pursue cases of unemployment fraud more effectively.
  • Individuals and Entities: Those who have committed fraud related to pandemic unemployment assistance may face prosecution or civil enforcement actions for a longer period.
  • Unemployment Programs: The bill directly impacts the administration and oversight of unemployment programs established under the CARES Act.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • House Committee on Ways and Means: Reported favorably on February 25, 2025.
  • House Passage: Passed by a vote of 295 - 127 on March 11, 2025.
  • Senate Actions: Read the second time and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar on March 13, 2025.

Conclusion

The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act seeks to enhance the federal government's ability to combat fraud in unemployment assistance programs by extending the time frame for legal action. This legislative measure reflects a commitment to ensuring the integrity of pandemic-related financial assistance programs and aims to deter fraudulent activities that have emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.