WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) released the following statement applauding bipartisan passage of H.R. 1163, the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act – legislation to recover fraudulent unemployment payments, improve program integrity to prevent future fraud, and give states the tools needed to prosecute the criminals who took advantage of the system in the first place.

“Criminal organizations and foreign fraudsters exploited our unemployment benefits system to rob hundreds of billions of dollars from American taxpayers. Individuals had not just their benefits but their identities stolen to perpetuate this fraud, and sadly, when they controlled all of Washington, Democrats refused to lift a finger to recover these funds and hold the criminals accountable.

“The Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Act takes decisive action to recoup stolen funds and provide long-needed protections to prevent future fraud. Any individual who defrauds the American people deserves to be prosecuted, and I am proud this legislation will give states the tools necessary to ensure these criminals face the consequences of their actions.”

ONE-PAGER: Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act

READ: Chairman Smith on the House Floor: H.R. 1163, the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act

READ: What They Are Saying: Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act

READ: Ways and Means Approves Plan to Recover Hundreds of Billions in Misspent, Stolen Unemployment Benefits