    [House Hearing, 119 Congress]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                           MARKUP OF VARIOUS MEASURES

    =======================================================================

                                    HEARING

                                   before the

                          COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
                                 UNITED STATES
                            HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                        ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS

                                 SECOND SESSION

                                   __________

                                  HEARING HELD
                               FEBRUARY 11, 2026

                                   __________

                     [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                Small Business Committee Document Number 119-030
                 Available via the GPO Website: www.govinfo.gov

                                   ______

                     U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

    62-952                    WASHINGTON : 2026

                       HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS

                        ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas, Chairman
                            PETE STAUBER, Minnesota
                            DAN MEUSER, Pennsylvania
                             BETH VAN DUYNE, Texas
                               JAKE ELLZEY, Texas
                             MARK ALFORD, Missouri
                             NICK LALOTA, New York
                            BRAD FINSTAD, Minnesota
                              TONY WIED, Wisconsin
                          ROB BRESNAHAN, Pennsylvania
                              BRIAN JACK, Georgia
                             TROY DOWNING, Montana
                 KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS, Northern Marina Islands
                             DEREK SCHMIDT, Kansas
                            JIMMY PATRONIS, Florida
                   NYDIA VELAZQUEZ, New York, Ranking Member
                           MORGAN MCGARVEY, Kentucky
                           HILLARY SCHOLTEN, Michigan
                          LAMONICA MCIVER, New Jersey
                            GIL CISNEROS, California
                           KELLY MORRISON, Minnesota
                            GEORGE LATIMER, New York
                             DEREK TRAN, California
                           LATEEFAH SIMON, California
                           JOHNNY OLSZEWSKI, Maryland
                        MAGGIE GOODLANDER, New Hampshire

                     Lauren Holmes, Majority Staff Director
                     Melissa Jung, Minority Staff Director

                                C O N T E N T S

                               OPENING STATEMENTS

                                                                       Page
    Hon. Roger Williams..............................................     1
    Hon. Nydia Velazquez.............................................     2

                                    APPENDIX

    Additional Material for the Record:
    Text of Legislation:
        H.R. 7401 - Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act......    13
        H.R. 7396 - Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act..    16
        H.R. 7412 - Put America on Commission Act of 2026............    21
    Support Documents:
        Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC)..........................    39
        E-Vote Results...............................................    42
    Votes:
        H.R. 7401 - Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act
          Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24-0..........    45
        H.R. 7396 - Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act
          Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24-0..........    46
        H.R. 7412 - Put America on Commission Act of 2026 Ordered to
          be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24-0.....................    47

                           MARKUP OF VARIOUS MEASURES

                                  ----------

                          WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

                      House of Representatives,
                   Committee on Small Business,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 9:04 a.m., in Room
    2360, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Roger Williams
    [chairman of the Committee] presiding.
        Present: Representatives Williams, Stauber, Meuser, Van
    Duyne, Ellzey, Alford, LaLota, Finstad, Wied, Bresnahan,
    Downing, King-Hinds, Patronis, Velazquez, McGarvey, Scholten,
    McIver, Cisneros, Morrison, Latimer, Tran, Simon, Olszewski,
    and Goodlander.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Before we get started with the markup, I
    would like to recognize Congressman Ellzey from the Gray State
    of Texas to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and a short
    prayer.
        All right. The committee will now come to order.
        A quorum is present. And without objection, the Chair is
    authorized to declare a recess of the committee at any time. As
    required by the House rules, a copy of the legislative measures
    have been made available to Members and the public at least 24
    hours in advance.
        Without objection, the committee will vote electronically
    in accordance with committee rules and regulations developed by
    the House Committees on Rules and Administration. I now
    recognize myself for opening remarks.
        Today, we will mark up three important bipartisan bills
    that support efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. These
    bills reflect our continued commitment to ensure transparency
    and accountability within the SBA and support efforts to root
    out fraud in the SBA's COVID-era lending programs. The bills
    will establish an office to help recover taxpayer dollars,
    prevent conflicts of interest in loan processing, and codify
    the Office of Native American Affairs. These bills will support
    the SBA's ability to serve America's small businesses and
    taxpayers alike.
        As Chairman, I am proud of the work underway in this
    committee, particularly our efforts to address systematic
    failures and support existing SBA programs. The committee has
    demonstrated our commitment to proactive, responsible oversight
    and accountability, and for that, I say thank you.
        First, we will consider a bill that targets and prevents
    potential ethics violations in loan processing. The bill will
    enhance accountability and oversight of the SBA loan process by
    requiring conflict of interest certification. Next, we will
    consider a bill to codify the SBA's Office of Native American
    Affairs, an office which has been appropriated funds but not
    yet to be codified. Finally, we will consider my bill to
    establish the Office of Whistleblower Rewards. The office will
    support the SBA OIG in its efforts to combat fraud. The bill
    will increase efficiency to fraud recovery by incentivizing
    public participation.
        With this additional resource, SBA is strategically
    positioned to stop bad actors and recover funds. Correcting and
    mitigating systematic failures is inherently complex and
    requires a strong bipartisan effort, and I am proud of the
    collaborative effort that has resulted in today's markup. These
    three bills lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.
        I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to
    make strides in addressing waste, fraud, and abuse by improving
    internal mechanisms and processes. The SBA is better positioned
    to serve American small businesses.
        With that, I yield to my friend and the distinguished
    Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velazquez, for her opening
    remarks.
        Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening this
    markup today. I plan to lend my support to the three bipartisan
    bills under consideration.
        Let me begin by expressing my strong support for H.R. 7396,
    legislation to codify the Office of Native American Affairs. It
    is important for our committee to remain focused on its
    mission, reviewing, evaluating, and improving SBA's programs so
    they work for our nation's 36 million small businesses. I look
    forward to future markups that will deliver meaningful
    improvements to SBA core programs.
        The other two bills under consideration will give SBA
    additional tools to combat fraud. One will put important
    processes in place to help prevent fraud, and the other will
    provide a mechanism for SBA to recover fraudulent pandemic
    monies. I am pleased to lend my support to these two bills.
        With that said, and I have mentioned this before, SBA needs
    to be more responsive to the committee. The administration--the
    administrator has egregiously ignored Congressional oversight
    letters and requests for meetings, obstructing our ability to
    conduct meaningful oversight. I hope you will support efforts
    to hold the agency accountable.
        Thank you, Mr. Williams, and I look forward to a productive
    markup. I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. Does any
    other Member seek recognition for the purpose of making an
    opening statement?
        Seeing none, we will now move to consideration of the first
    bill.
        The committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 7401, the
    Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act, introduced by
    Reverend Meuser and Goodlander.
        The Clerk will report the bill.
        H.R. 7401
        The CLERK. H.R. 7401, a bill to require employees of the
    small business----
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 7401 is
    considered as read and open for amendment.
        I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Representative Meuser
    from the great state of Pennsylvania, for his remarks.
        Mr. MEUSER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our bipartisan
    legislation, H.R. 7401, the Small Business Lending Fraud
    Prevention Act, will strengthen the SBA's conflict of interest
    rule, adding an important safeguard within the loan process.
    The bill requires SBA employees involved in the origination,
    review, or approval of its loans to certify that they have no
    conflicts of interest in the transaction. It also requires
    employees to promptly disclose and recuse themselves if a
    conflict arises and to acknowledge their obligations under
    federal ethics laws.
        Though the 7(a) program operates at zero subsidy cost to
    the taxpayer, there have been instances of SBA employees
    processing loans to family members or others barred under
    federal conflict of interest rules, and have increased in
    recent years. Just last August, Rena Barrett, a former SBA loan
    officer, pled guilty to submitting and approving fraudulent
    COVID-19 EIDL applications, abusing her position to seek more
    than $550,000 in pandemic relief funds for herself and family.
    In addition, Attallah Williams, another former SBA loan
    officer, was charged in January for approving fraudulently
    submitted EIDL applications in exchange for a share of the
    proceeds. Congress must root out waste, abuse, and fraud,
    especially when it is perpetrated by government employees.
        I would like to thank Congresswoman Goodlander for co-
    leading this legislation. I would also like to thank Chairman
    Williams for bringing this bill forward for consideration
    today, and I certainly encourage my colleagues to support this
    legislation.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back, and I now
    recognize the bill's co-sponsor, Representative Goodlander from
    the great state of New Hampshire, for her remarks.
        Ms. GOODLANDER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Small businesses
    aren't just part of our economy. They are the lifeblood of the
    economy of my state and our nation, and the loans administered
    by the Small Business Administration are the lifeblood for so
    many small businesses in every corner of our country.
        Conflicts of interest, especially conflicts of interest in
    people serving in positions of public trust, they are a cancer
    that undermines public trust, that leads to abuses of taxpayer
    dollars. And ultimately, it is our small businesses and
    entrepreneurs, good people, hardworking people who are playing
    by the rules, who pay the price for these conflicts of
    interest. So that is why I am really proud to be working
    alongside Congressman Meuser with this common sense,
    straightforward, bipartisan bill that is going to allow us to
    crack down on conflicts of interest on the front end so that
    red flags are raised before problems arise and so that we don't
    see any more unnecessary red tape or costs for our small
    businesses in the administration of Small Business
    Administration loans.
        This is really about strengthening the prevention,
    detection, and enforcement of the most basic principles of good
    governance and our democracy. They have always defined us as
    Americans, and that is why I am proud that we are coming
    together as Americans to pass this straightforward, practical,
    bipartisan bill.
        So with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
        Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
    statement on this bill?
        I now recognize the Ranking Member to speak on the bill.
        Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to express
    my support for H.R. 7401, the Small Business Lending Fraud
    Prevention Act. I applaud Mr. Meuser and Ms. Goodlander for
    their leadership on this issue.
        Let me begin by saying this committee has played an
    integral role in conducting oversight of the pandemic relief
    programs. Approximately $1.2 trillion dollars of economic aid
    was disbursed through the SBA pandemic relief programs over the
    course of the pandemic, providing economic relief to small
    businesses all over the country. Unfortunately, bad actors took
    advantage of the programs, and it has become clear we need to
    work together to recover fraudulent dollars.
        The previous administration took strong steps to root out
    fraud and put internal controls in place to prevent it, and the
    OIG, which has a team of auditors, investigators, attorneys,
    and state-of-the-art data analytics technology, has been
    working diligently to uncover fraudulent schemes. And because
    of their work, an SBA loan officer recently pled guilty to
    making a false statement in connection to applications for more
    than $550,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 pandemic loans to herself
    and family members.
        While I firmly believe the single most important action we
    can take to combat fraud is to fully fund the IG's budget
    request, I support this legislation.
        The bottom line is this. The camp (phonetic) process
    worked. The bad actor at SBA was identified, investigated, and
    prosecuted. But moving forward, requiring SBA employees to
    certify there is no conflict of interest before approving a
    loan will add an extra layer of security and help deter fraud.
        I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Gentlelady yields back.
        I now recognize myself for remarks.
        Last year, the SBA uncovered a disturbing case of fraud. In
    2021, a former SBA loan officer used her authority to secure a
    $170,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan for one of her family
    members, and the loan officer submitted a false statement to
    the SBA as part of a loan application. When it was initially
    denied, she approved it herself. Before she was caught, the
    loan officer tried to approve over $500,000 in loans to herself
    and her relatives while still working at the SBA. Fortunately,
    in this case, the fraudster was caught. However, it was
    critical to take serious steps to avoid such cases in the
    future, and it should not be possible for fraud like this to
    occur again.
        H.R. 7401, the Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act,
    moves us in the right direction. This bill requires SBA
    employees involved in the loan process to certify there are no
    ties to the loan applicant or recipient for any of the loans
    they are responsible for processing. The bill requires any
    employee who has a conflict of interest to inform their
    supervisor and recuse themselves from the loan review and
    approval process. There are necessary steps to future fraud at
    the SBA, and it will provide a clear standard against which
    future fraudsters can be held accountable.
        I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 7401, and I yield
    back.
        Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
        Seeing none, the question now occurs in order in H.R. 7401,
    reported favorably to the House. All those in favor say aye.
        All those opposed say no.
        In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. H.R. 7401 is
    agreed to.
        Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to request a
    recorded vote.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested, and
    a roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee Rule 13 and
    House Rule 11, further proceedings on the bill are postponed.
        The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 7396, the
    Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, introduced by
    Representative Davids, Ellzey, Morrison, and Crane.
        The Clerk will report the bill.
        H.R. 7396
        The CLERK. H.R. 7396, a bill to establish the Office of
    Native American----
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 7396 is
    considered as read and open for amendment.
        I now recognize Representative Morrison from the great
    state of Minnesota for a statement on the bill.
        Ms. MORRISON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thanks to my
    colleagues, Representatives Davids, Ellzey, and Crane, for
    joining me in introducing this important bipartisan
    legislation.
        Native-owned businesses employ over 300,000 people across
    the country and contribute over $33 billion to the U.S. economy
    every year. In tribal communities, they are often the backbone
    of the local economy. That is why it is critical that there is
    continuity in the Small Business Administration's engagement
    with Native American entrepreneurs.
        Codifying the Office of Native American Affairs and
    establishing an assistant administrator role to oversee its
    operations will create better government-to-government working
    relationships with tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and
    better address the entrepreneurial, capital, and contracting
    needs of tribes and Native businesses.
        There are nearly 4,000 Native-owned businesses in
    Minnesota, ranging from independent bookstores to construction
    companies to local restaurants. I look forward to seeing the
    Small Business Administration continue to work with Native
    entrepreneurs in Minnesota and across the country to ensure
    these businesses have the resources they need to grow and
    succeed.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair. I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. Are there
    any other Members who wish to be recognized for a statement on
    this bill?
        Okay, seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking
    Member to speak on the bill.
        Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I strongly support
    the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act.
        Let me begin by commending Ms. Davids, Dr. Morrison, Mr.
    Ellzey, and Mr. Crane for their and bipartisanship commitment
    to codifying the Office of Native American Affairs at SBA.
        Small businesses on tribal reservations oftentimes face a
    mix of challenges, ranging from lack of access to capital to
    inadequate business training. SBA's office has proved to be a
    valuable resource to Native American Indians, Alaskan Natives,
    and Native Hawaiians, supporting approximately 2,000 small
    businesses every day. Codifying the office will ensure that
    tribal small businesses have access to SBA's full range of
    business development tools, regardless of the administration.
        Importantly, the legislation requires that the assistant
    administrator report directly to the administrator, making sure
    that the voices of the tribal communities will be heard at SBA.
    Native American-owned businesses are economic engines,
    generating $86 billion in sales, shipments, and revenues every
    year, and employing nearly 364,000 people in their communities.
    This bill will go a long way to increase access to federal
    programs and services and promote economic development.
        I would also like to thank Chairman Williams for adding
    this bill to the markup today.
        With that, I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
        I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
    legislation.
        H.R. 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity
    Act, established the Office of Native American Affairs within
    the Small Business Administration. Economic development
    programs aim to help small businesses start, grow, and compete
    in global markets by providing qualifying training, counseling,
    and access to resources. The SBA's Office of Native American
    Affairs has been providing these services and tribal
    consultations for many years.
        However, the office has yet to be codified into law. This
    legislation will codify this office and provide Congress with
    an annual report that includes the number of individuals
    served, consultations provided, and the trainings held by the
    office. This report will improve transparency and increase
    oversight of the office.
        I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 7396, and I yield
    back.
        Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
        Seeing none, the question now occurs on ordering H.R. 7396
    reported in favor to the House.
        All those in favor say aye.
        All those opposed say no.
        In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it.
        H.R. 7396 is agreed to.
        Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Chairman?
        Chairman WILLIAMS. For what purpose does the gentleman from
    Pennsylvania seek recognition?
        Mr. MEUSER. I would like to request a recorded vote.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. So moved. The recorded vote has been
    requested. A roll call vote is ordered.
        Persuaded to Committee Rule 13 and House Rule 11, further
    proceedings on the bill are postponed.
        Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 7412, the Put
    America on Commission Act of 2026. Introduced by myself and
    Representative Olszewski from the great state of Maryland.
        The Clerk will report the bill.
        H.R. 7412
        The CLERK. H.R.7412, a bill to amend the small----
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 7412 is
    considered as read and open for amendment.
        I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
    legislation.
        H.R. 7412, the Put America on Commission Act of 2026, will
    maximize the SBA's efforts to recover fraudulent pandemic loan
    funds by incentivizing everyday Americans to submit credible
    information on fraudulent loans in exchange for a commission.
    This bill will establish the Office of Whistleblower Rewards
    within the SBA to receive whistleblower tips from the public
    and forward credible evidence to the Office of Inspector
    General. If the information received from a whistleblower
    results in a final conviction, the office will disperse a
    monetary award to the whistleblower.
        The SBA's Office of Inspector General estimates that over
    $200 billion in taxpayer dollars were given out to bad actors
    through the SBA's PPP, EIDL, and other COVID-19 relief
    programs. This accounts for nearly 20 percent of all pandemic
    funding or lending, and this legislation opens up a new avenue
    for tracking down the fraudsters. Whistleblowers can serve as a
    key tool in recovering the unprecedented amount of fraud and
    ensuring fraudsters are brought to justice.
        The newly established Office of Whistleblower Rewards would
    be led by one staff member who coordinates tips with the SBA
    Inspector General for investigation. Notably, the office's
    operations and whistleblower awards are fully funded by
    recovered fraudulent loan accounts, which are deposited into
    the whistleblower award fund. Under the bill, the SBA may also
    seek a separate civil monetary penalty against convicted
    fraudsters, and the income from the penalties will be deposited
    into the whistleblower award fund. In the private sector of a
    commission's work, the bill utilizes the common practice to
    help bring more fraudsters to justice. No one should be able to
    defraud the American taxpayers without consequence.
        I greatly appreciate the work that the Office of the
    Inspector General has done to date to uncover the extent of the
    fraud. This bill will help the Office of the Inspector General
    obtain the information needed to catch fraudsters and do right
    by American businesses.
        I am proud to introduce legislation to help introduce
    fraudsters accountable and recover billions of dollars stolen
    from American taxpayers. Even the infamous CBO determined the
    same legislation from last Congress would reduce the deficit by
    $108 million over 10 years.
        So I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 7412, and I
    yield back.
        I now recognize the bill's co-sponsor, Representative
    Olszewski, from the great state of Maryland, for a statement on
    the bill.
        Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I do want
    to begin by thanking you, Chairman Williams, for your
    partnership and your leadership on this important effort.
    Likewise, I want to echo your sentiments and lift up the
    important work of the Inspector General. I am very proud to
    lead this bipartisan bill because I believe that we can and
    should always work harder to ensure tax dollars are being spent
    as intended and as efficiently as possible.
        Before coming to Congress, I had the privilege of serving
    in both state and local elected office, including 6 years as
    Baltimore County Executive. In that role, I authored our
    county's first comprehensive and enterprise-wide efficiency
    review. In that work, we came up with over 150 recommendations
    with the potential savings of $771 million for taxpayers, many
    of which my team and I implemented and are still being used
    today to save residents millions annually. It is the kind of
    work government should be leading all the time, and it is why I
    am proud to join the Chairman to lead this innovative
    bipartisan legislation that would incentivize Americans to
    report the potential misuse of federal dollars.
        My work in Baltimore County made sure we were being
    efficient in our use of taxpayer funding. This bill aims to
    save tax dollars by holding people and organizations who commit
    fraud accountable.
        During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency funds were rushed
    out to keep workers employed, small businesses afloat, and
    families stable. I was proud to help administer many of these
    programs as county executive. That money was meant to be a
    lifeline, and for many, it was. But when individuals abused
    those programs for personal gain, they didn't just break the
    law and steal from the federal government. They stole from
    others who were already under tremendous strain.
        An office dedicated to reporting COVID-19 fraud protects
    the integrity of all public programs, and it sends a clear
    message: help is there for those who need it, but exploitation
    will not be tolerated. This bill will hold criminals
    accountable and offer multiple pathways for patriotic Americans
    to report potential fraud and abuse. In turn, it will help us
    recover funds and restore public trust.
        I urge a yes vote from my colleagues. Thank you very much,
    and I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Gentleman yields back.
        I now recognize Representative Alford from the great state
    of Missouri for a statement on the bill.
        Mr. ALFORD. Thank you, Chairman Williams and Ranking Member
    Velazquez, for bringing forward this important legislation.
        You know, relief funds were meant to help small businesses
    survive an unprecedented crisis, not to line the pockets of
    criminals. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from an honest
    entrepreneur who played by the rules and needed that support to
    keep their doors open and their employees on payroll.
        Unfortunately, we don't have to look too far from my
    district. In Kansas City, Missouri, three men were recently
    indicted for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than
    $447,000 in the Paycheck Protection Program Loans using false
    payroll records. Authorities allege that those loans were later
    forgiven, even though the funds were not used for authorized
    purposes. Folks, that is half a million dollars. It is nearly
    half a million dollars diverted away from the small businesses
    these programs were created to help. Cases like this undermine
    public trust and disadvantage the very people that these
    programs were designed to support.
        And that is just one example. Nationwide, hundreds of
    billions of dollars in suspected pandemic loan fraud remains
    outstanding. The American people deserve confidence that
    Congress is doing everything possible to recover those funds
    and hold bad actors accountable.
        I am encouraged that under Administrator Kelly Loeffler,
    the SBA is taking this issue seriously. We are seeing a renewed
    focus on oversight, enforcement, and restoring integrity to
    these programs so that taxpayer dollars are protected. And that
    is why I fully support Chairman Williams' Put America on
    Commission Act. This bill establishes an Office of
    Whistleblowers Rewards with the Small Business Administration
    to incentivize individuals to come forward with credible
    information about pandemic loan fraud.
        Pandemic relief programs like PPP and EIDL were lifelines
    for millions of small businesses. And if we fail to pursue
    fraud aggressively, we risk undermining confidence in future
    emergency programs when Americans need them most. I urge my
    colleagues to support this common-sense, bipartisan bill so
    that we can continue recovering stolen funds and send a clear
    message to the American people that if you defraud the American
    taxpayer, you will be held accountable.
        And with that, I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
        I now recognize Representative Stauber from the great state
    of Minnesota for a statement on the bill.
        Mr. STAUBER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to start by
    being very clear. What happened during the pandemic with
    federal relief dollars, and what has happened in states like my
    home state of Minnesota, was not just unfortunate. It was a
    gross failure of oversight and a betrayal of the American
    taxpayer.
        In my home state, we have uncovered billions of dollars in
    fraud, federal dollars provided by the good people and law-
    abiding taxpayers in my great state of Minnesota and across
    this great nation. They were taken by organized fraud rings.
    This wasn't just small oversights or mix-ups. This was a
    systemic abuse, abuse made possible by our failing governor and
    his administration in my state, and by other programs with weak
    controls and no oversight.
        We have seen case after case where taxpayer dollars meant
    to help struggling families and small businesses instead lie in
    the pockets of criminals. And once the money was gone, the
    government was left without the tools or information needed to
    recover it. This is unacceptable. Every dollar stolen is a
    dollar taken away from a legitimate mom-and-pop shop trying to
    stay open or a family just trying to put food on the table.
        It is also deeply offensive to the millions of Americans
    who followed the rules while fraudsters got rich. That is why
    H.R. 7412, the Put America on Commission Act, is so critical.
    This bill recognizes a simple truth. The government cannot
    catch fraud alone. Often, the people who know fraud is
    happening are the insiders, neighbors, or employees who see it
    firsthand. But too often, they have no incentive or even a
    clearer way to come forward.
        By creating an Office of Whistleblower Rewards within the
    SBA, this legislation puts real teeth behind fraud enforcement.
    It incentivizes credible tips, helps uncover hidden fraud
    schemes, and provides the SBA with the information it needs to
    recover stolen taxpayer dollars. This is about accountability.
    It is about deterrence. And it is about sending a message. If
    you stole from the American people, you will be found, and you
    will be held responsible.
        I commend Chairman Williams and Congressman Olszewski for
    bringing forward this bipartisan, common-sense solution. If we
    are serious about stopping fraud, protecting honest businesses,
    and restoring trust in federal programs, this bill is exactly
    the kind of action Congress should be taking. I strongly urge
    H.R. 7412--I strongly support, rather, H.R. 7412 and urge its
    adoption.
        And I yield back, Mr. Chair.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back. Are there any
    other Members who wish to be recognized for a statement?
        All right, seeing none, I would like to recognize the
    Ranking Member to speak on this bill.
        Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I share your
    commitment to recovering fraudulent obtained COVID-19 pandemic
    relief funds.
        As you may recall, I led efforts to extend the statute of
    limitations for fraud in the EIDL and PPP programs. This bill,
    which became law, sent a strong message that unscrupulous
    behavior will not be tolerated and that those who commit fraud
    will be held accountable in the years to come. And in this
    Congress, we came together to extend the statute of limitations
    in two more pandemic relief programs.
        While we may never know the exact amount of fraud, there is
    no doubt that the vast majority of the fraud occurred in the
    first 9 months of the pandemic, during President Trump's first
    term, when the guardrails were lowered to get the money out the
    door quickly during the crisis. We also know with certainty
    that the SBA took a number of steps to curtail that fraud,
    including reinstituting longstanding controls, establishing a
    Fraud Risk Management Board, and creating a Special Counsel for
    Enterprise Risk.
        Currently, the OIG has more than 130,000 actionable leads
    that have been submitted to their hotline. The issue before us
    is not a failure to identify fraud. The OIG has enough credible
    leads to remain active for decades. The real challenge is
    ensuring our law enforcement community has the resources it
    needs to thoroughly investigate and prosecute fraud.
        I appreciate the efforts of the Chairman to come up with a
    creative solution to help recover fraudulent funds, and I
    commend Representative Olszewski for leading this bill along
    with Mr. Williams.
        Thank you, and I yield back.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Thank you, and the gentlelady does yield
    back. And does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
        Seeing none, the question now occurs in order in H.R. 7412,
    reported favorably to the House.
        All those in favor say aye.
        All those opposed say no.
        And depending on the Chair, the ayes have it, and H.R.
    7412----
        Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair?
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes, sir.
        Mr. MEUSER. I request a recorded vote, please.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested, and
    a roll call vote is ordered. So, pursuant to Committee Rule 13
    and House Rule 11, further proceedings on this bill are
    postponed.
        Okay, now the Committee will stand in recess, subject to
    the call of the Chair. Members, please remain in your seats
    while we set up the voting software. This will be very brief.
        [Recess.]
        Chairman WILLIAMS. The Committee will now come to order. We
    will resume consideration of the bills on which roll call votes
    were requested and postponed.
        We will start with H.R. 7401. The question now occurs in
    order in H.R. 7401, reported favorably to the House. The Clerk
    will open the vote.
        [The vote was taken.]
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
    voted or wish to change their vote? If not, the Clerk will
    close the vote.
        The Clerk will report.
        The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 24, and
    the noes are zero.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. H.R. 7401 is ordered, reported to the
    House with a favorable recommendation.
        The question now occurs in order in H.R. 7396, reported
    favorably to the House.
        The Clerk will open the vote.
        [The vote was taken.]
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay, are there any other Members who
    have not voted or wish to change their vote? If not, the Clerk
    will close the vote.
        The Clerk will report.
        The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 24, and
    the noes are zero.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. H.R. 7396 is ordered, reported to the
    House with a favorable recommendation.
        The question now occurs in order in H.R. 7412, reported
    favorably to the House. The Clerk will open the vote.
        [The vote was taken.]
        Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
    voted or wish to change their vote? If not, the Clerk will
    close the vote.
        The Clerk will report.
        The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 24, and
    the noes are zero.
        Chairman WILLIAMS. H.R. 7412 is ordered, reported to the
    House with a favorable recommendation.
        And if there is no further business, this concludes today's
    markup. I want to thank all of you for this.
        Without objection, the Committee staff is authorized to
    make technical and conforming changes, and Members have 2
    business days to file additional supplemental dissenting and
    minority views.
        I want to thank all of you for being here today. Again,
    without objection, the Committee stands adjourned. Thank you.
        [Whereupon, at 9:43 a.m., the committee was adjourned.]
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