Miller-Meeks Introduces WALZ Act to Crack Down on Government Fraud and Protect Taxpayers

IOWA — In response to the massive fraud scandal uncovered in Minnesota, where an estimated $9 billion or more in taxpayer funds was lost to fraudulent claims and shell operations, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller‑Meeks (IA‑01) today introduced the Welfare Abuse and Laundering Zillions (WALZ) Act, comprehensive legislation aimed at preventing similar fraud across the nation

“What we’re seeing in Minnesota is a jaw‑dropping failure of leadership, nearly $9 billion lost to fraud under Governor Tim Walz’s watch,” said Miller‑Meeks. “This is what happens when soft‑on‑crime Democrat policies run unchecked: zero accountability, zero oversight, and taxpayers left holding the bag. The WALZ Act is named for a reason, to ensure this level of negligence can never be repeated anywhere else in America. Our bill puts hard safeguards in place to protect taxpayer dollars, shut the door on scam artists, and bring real accountability back to government programs.”

The Minnesota scandal revealed widespread exploitation of social services and welfare programs, with fraudulent billing, fake claims, and ghost providers draining state and federal resources meant for vulnerable Americans. Investigators described the operation as “industrial‑scale fraud,” reflecting systemic weaknesses in verification and oversight.

The WALZ Act would:

• Enhance  Verification and Real‑Time Audits: Implement robust verification standards and real‑time financial audits on programs that disburse federal and state funds, closing loopholes exploited by fraudsters.
• Trigger Mandatory Investigations: Unexplained spikes in claims — like those seen in Minnesota, would automatically prompt federal and state investigators to examine program accounts immediately.
• Strengthen Accountability for State Agencies: Require clear reporting, documentation checks, and consequences for failures in oversight, eliminating the “rubber‑stamped” approvals that allow fraud to flourish.
• ProtectBenefits for Legitimate Recipients: Direct resources only to verified beneficiaries and legitimate service providers, ensuring funds reach the people programs are intended to help.
• Establish Uniform National Safeguards: Set a national standard for transparency and anti‑fraud protections that states must meet to receive federal funding.

The WALZ Act would help ensure that fraud on the scale seen in Minnesota cannot take root in Iowa or other states, preserving essential funds for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social support.

Representative Miller‑Meeks stressed that taxpayers deserve government systems built on accountability and transparency, not waste and abuse.

“This legislation isn’t just a reaction to fraud, it’s a proactive solution to restore trust in government programs and protect working families from having their hard‑earned tax dollars stolen.” Miller‑Meeks added.

To read the full bill text for the WALZ Act, click HERE.

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