Republican House Panel Subpoenas Gov. Walz Over Minnesota Nonprofit’s COVID-19 Fraud

A Republican-led House committee has issued subpoenas to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other officials as part of an investigation into a nonprofit accused of misusing millions in COVID-19 aid meant for children. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of Walz, who was recently named as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate.

Key Takeaways

• The House Education and Workforce Committee has subpoenaed Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong.
• The investigation centers on Feeding Our Future, a Minnesota nonprofit accused of misusing $250 million in federal funds intended to feed children during the pandemic.
• The subpoenas demand documents related to the oversight of the nonprofit, with a deadline of September 18.
• The investigation has political implications, as Walz is the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Background of the Investigation

The House Education and Workforce Committee, chaired by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), issued subpoenas to several high-profile officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The subpoenas are part of an ongoing investigation into Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit accused of defrauding the federal government by submitting fake attendance rosters for children who were supposedly receiving meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal prosecutors have labeled this as one of the largest pandemic fraud schemes in the country. The U.S. Justice Department has charged 70 individuals in connection with the scheme, with 18 pleading guilty and five convicted as of June.

Details of the Fraud Allegations

Feeding Our Future allegedly opened more than 250 sites across Minnesota and submitted fraudulent claims to receive federal funds. According to a state audit, the Minnesota Department of Education failed to provide adequate oversight, creating opportunities for fraud. The audit criticized the department’s actions and inactions, which allowed the scheme to flourish.

State education officials are responsible for overseeing federal programs that reimburse organizations like Feeding Our Future for providing free meals to children. The audit’s findings have led to increased scrutiny of the department’s role in the fraud.

Political Implications

The timing of the subpoenas has raised eyebrows, especially given Walz’s recent selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the committee, questioned the timing, suggesting it might be politically motivated.

Republicans have also been investigating other aspects of Walz’s and Harris’s records, including Walz’s ties to China and Harris’s role in border and migration policy. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) accused the committee of using its resources for political purposes, calling the move "pretty disgusting."

Responses and Next Steps

A spokeswoman for Walz described the alleged fraud as an "appalling abuse of a federal COVID-era program" and praised the FBI for its role in arresting and charging those involved. Walz has maintained that there was no malfeasance at the state level, although he acknowledged that state employees did not exercise sufficient due diligence.

In December 2022, Walz announced the creation of an inspector general position at the state Department of Education to ensure better oversight of federal funds. The state education department had reported Feeding Our Future to the FBI in April 2021, leading to the federal investigation.

The officials subpoenaed have until September 18 to provide the requested documents. None of them are required to testify at this time.

Sources

• Republican House panel subpoenas Gov. Walz in investigation of Minnesota nonprofit that ran a Covid aid scheme, NBC News.
• House Education Committee subpoenas Walz over Minnesota nonprofit’s COVID-19 fraud, The Hill.