California Rep. Kim Yong Proposes Anti-Fraud Bill
Representative Kim Yong from California is set to unveil a bill aimed at consolidating the federal fraud enforcement efforts, focusing on reducing waste and abuse at both state and local levels.
In an interview, Yong expressed concerns over agencies like the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security working in silos: “They’re all tripping over each other while the fraudsters keep up their scores,” he remarked.
The proposed legislation, known as the No More Fraud Act, seeks to establish a federal interagency task force within 90 days of passing. A director would need to be appointed within 180 days, according to the bill’s summary.
Yong emphasized the need for a coordinated approach, stating, “We’re going to put one quarterback on the field, one game plan and one goal. That’s to stop cheating, break through bureaucracy, and get taxpayer money back.” The task force would not only streamline federal efforts but also collaborate with state and local law enforcement to share resources and data. However, details on the number of task force members remain uncertain.
“One agency, that’s what I’m looking at,” Yong stated, indicating a desire for experienced law enforcement officers to be involved.
The inspiration behind the bill, according to Yong, stems from his observations in California, a state he referred to as the “fraud capital of the world.” He noted, “It started with the coronavirus era, when people didn’t even want to go back to work because they thought unemployment benefits were bigger than going back to work. It’s just the beginning.”
On a related note, Governor Gavin Newsom has recently countered claims of widespread fraud in California. This comes after CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz suggested that the state’s multibillion-dollar healthcare system is supported by taxpayers.
In response, Newsom’s office highlighted his actions to ban new hospices and revoke licenses of over 280 providers since 2022.
Yong concluded that by centralizing the fight against fraud under one agency, the focus will shift back to protecting “America’s seniors, students, veterans, and families” from criminals and fraudsters.
