Us Congress Senate Bill SB121

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds ActThis bill extends the statute of limitations (i.e., time limit for bringing a legal action) to 10 years for criminal and civil violations involving specified COVID-19 pandemic relief programs, such as violations involving fraudulent activity. Under current law, the statute of limitations is generally five years for violations concerning these pandemic-era programs. The Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program currently have 10-year statutes of limitations relating to program fraud.

Impact

By extending the statute of limitations, SB121 seeks to provide law enforcement and governmental agencies with the necessary time to detect, investigate, and prosecute fraudulent activity associated with pandemic aid. This is particularly significant given the widespread allegations of fraud and abuse of relief funds during the pandemic. If passed, the bill would alter current legal procedures, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those who exploit emergency programs designed to assist citizens and businesses during difficult times.

Summary

SB121, known as the Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act, proposes to extend the statute of limitations for violations related to pandemic-era programs to 10 years. Specifically, it aims to address offenses stemming from various programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program. The bill's primary objective is to facilitate the prosecution and enforcement of laws against fraud in connection with funds disbursed through these programs, ensuring that such offenses can be addressed within a suitable timeframe for investigation and legal action.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that extending the statute of limitations could lead to prosecutorial overreach, as investigations that may not have immediate evidence could be prolonged, potentially impacting individuals who were previously unaware of their violations. On the other hand, supporters assert that such measures are necessary to safeguard public funds and ensure that fraudsters do not evade justice simply due to time constraints. The debate reflects broader concerns about balancing efficient law enforcement with individuals' rights and protections under the law.

Congress_id

119-S-121

Policy_area

Health

Introduced_date

2025-01-16