When I first arrived in California during the Reagan years, it felt like the essence of America—the golden state where hard work could lead to the American dream. Now, however, it seems to be known more as a hotspot for fraud.
During the pandemic, criminals managed to steal an astonishing $32 billion from California’s unemployment system. To put that in perspective, that’s much more than what most states spend on similar programs—enough to fix every pothole from San Diego to Sacramento. And that’s just scratching the surface.
In the last few years, we’ve also seen millions of SNAP dollars misused by criminal groups. There’s been extensive theft involving AI “ghost students” who enroll in California’s community colleges to siphon off funds. Recently, we’ve witnessed billions in Medicaid funds misallocated for unnecessary medical services for undocumented immigrants and hundreds of millions wasted on fraudulent hospice schemes.
Every time I check my phone, there seems to be yet another scam surfacing in California. It all seems to keep Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom busy traveling to so many cities in Europe—you’d almost think he’s more famous than some pop stars.
I reached out to Newsom regarding these incidents, yet aside from one response, I didn’t hear back. The only reply I got was a dismissive one about the Medicaid fraud issue, claiming the state would simply reimburse the federal government for any mistakes made.
Clearly, there’s a significant lack of accountability concerning federal and state funds. Is this really the kind of responsibility we expect for our hard-earned tax dollars? As a taxpayer in California, I find that deeply concerning.
That’s why I proposed the No More SCAMS Act, which aims to create a federal task force focused on combating waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs. For far too long, federal agencies have floundered without a proper strategy, allowing fraud to thrive. My bill aims to streamline these efforts by having one clear plan and purpose: preventing fraud.
Despite what some may think, cracking down on fraud shouldn’t just be a Republican initiative; it’s about good governance that prioritizes the needs of Californians and Americans alike.
These funds ought to support students, veterans, mothers, and low-income families, not subsidize scammers or organized crime. Every dollar lost to fraud is essentially taken from those who truly need it, impacting many hard-working Americans.
Unfortunately, fraud is widespread, and California seems to be at the epicenter. Instead of a governor focused on problem-solving and improving our state, we’re stuck with someone who seems more like a charlatan.
Since Newsom took office in 2019, many have experienced rising prices and increasing crime rates, making it tough for families to afford basic necessities. The dream of owning a home has turned into something that seems out of reach for most.
Yet, despite these challenges, I still hold hope for California. It’s my home, where my family resides, and it’s painful to see friends and neighbors struggle due to misguided policies from Sacramento.
I’ve been advocating against these issues since my time in the state legislature, and I continue to fight as a representative of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. I didn’t come this far just to watch our country falter due to fraud and leadership failures.
Indeed, this fight is crucial for the future of California. Together with President Donald Trump, I’m committed to leading us into a brighter era.
