4 Takeaways From Minnesota Fraud Congressional Hearing

Minnesota’s multibillion-dollar fraud scandals sparked spirited exchanges before a congressional committee on Jan. 7—the first of two hearings that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has set on the topic. During a session that spanned nearly five hours, several shouting matches erupted—sometimes involving witnesses who pushed back against lawmakers. At times, committee chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) called members out of order, pounded his gavel, and called for decorum. In his opening remarks, Comer said, “This isn’t just a Minnesota problem,” because about 35 percent of that state’s budget comes from federal grants. “Hard-working Americans pay those taxes, and that money is being funneled to fraudsters, funding luxury homes, fancy cars, and vacations abroad. Some of it is even allegedly going overseas to support terrorists,” Comer said....