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Only the right has signed this so far (Bill Ranking)

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

H.R. 1156 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

H.R. 1156119TH CONGRESSINTRODUCED 02/10/2025REP. SMITHR-MO · SPONSORLeft: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean left: no (Sponsor Ranking)Center: no (Sponsor Ranking)Lean right: no (Sponsor Ranking)Right: DW-NOMINATE +0.58 (Sponsor Ranking)RIGHT(SPONSOR RANKING)LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

26 members · Left 0 · Center 1 · Right 25 (Bill Ranking)

SponsorRep. Smith, Jason (R-MO) (Introduced 02/10/2025)
Sponsor Voting RecordRight · DW-NOMINATE +0.58 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking)
Support
LLLCLRR

support across the spectrum: 26 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once

CommitteesHouse - Ways and Means Committee; House - Ways and Means Committee; House - Ways and Means Committee
Latest Action03/13/2025 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
Roll Call Votes1
Sourceview on congress.gov →
IntroducedPassed HousePassed SenateResolving DifferencesTo PresidentBecame Law

Summary (1)

Introduced in House (02/10/2025)

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

This bill extends from 5 to 10 years the statute of limitations for federal criminal charges or civil enforcement actions for fraud related to several unemployment insurance programs that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The extension applies to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The bill extends the statute of limitations for (1) criminal charges related to fraud, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud; and (2) civil actions involving false claims. However, the bill does not apply to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the applicable statute of limitations expired before the date of the bill's enactment.

Additionally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Department of Labor for anti-fraud and program integrity activities.  

Text (4)

Engrossed in House (EH)

119 HR 1156 EH: Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS1st Session H. R. 1156

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.

2.Extension of the statute of limitations for fraud by individuals under certain unemployment programs (a)Pandemic unemployment assistanceSection 2102 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9021) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and (2)by inserting after subsection (g) the following new subsection: (h)Statute of Limitations (1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by pandemic unemployment assistance under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (2)ExceptionParagraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.. (b)Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Mixed Earner Unemployment compensationSection 2104(f) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9023(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5)Statute of Limitations (A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.. (c)Pandemic emergency unemployment compensationSection 2107(e) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9025(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5)Statute of Limitations (A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..

3.Budget offsetOut of the unobligated balances of amounts made available by section 2118(a) of title II of division A of Public Law 116–136, as added by section 9032 of Public Law 117–2, $5,000,000 are hereby rescinded.

4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives March 11, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.

Introduced in House (IH)

117 HR 1156 IH: Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-02-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1156IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 10, 2025Mr. Smith of Missouri (for himself, Mr. LaHood, Mr. Yakym, Mr. Bean of Florida, Mr. Moran, Ms. Van Duyne, Mr. Feenstra, Mr. Carey, Mr. Miller of Ohio, Mr. Steube, Mr. Buchanan, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Smith of Nebraska, Mrs. Miller of West Virginia, Mr. Smucker, Mr. Kustoff, Ms. Malliotakis, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Moore of Utah, Mr. Estes, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Mr. Hern of Oklahoma, Mr. Arrington, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Fischbach, and Mr. Schweikert) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.2.Extension of the statute of limitations for fraud by individuals under certain unemployment programs(a)Pandemic unemployment assistanceSection 2102 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9021) is amended—(1)by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and(2)by inserting after subsection (g) the following new subsection: (h)Statute of Limitations(1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by pandemic unemployment assistance under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy.(2)ExceptionParagraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..(b)Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Mixed Earner Unemployment compensationSection 2104(f) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9023(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Statute of Limitations(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..(c)Pandemic emergency unemployment compensationSection 2107(e) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9025(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Statute of Limitations(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by pandemic emergency unemployment compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..3.Budget offsetOut of the unobligated balances of amounts made available by section 2118(a) of title II of division A of Public Law 116–136, as added by section 9032 of Public Law 117–2, $5,000,000 are hereby rescinded.

4.Effective dateThis amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

Placed on Calendar Senate (PCS)

117 HR 1156 PCS: Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IICalendar No. 29119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1156IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 12, 2025Received; read the first timeMarch 13, 2025Read the second time and placed on the calendarAN ACTTo amend the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.2.Extension of the statute of limitations for fraud by individuals under certain unemployment programs(a)Pandemic unemployment assistanceSection 2102 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9021) is amended—(1)by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and(2)by inserting after subsection (g) the following new subsection: (h)Statute of Limitations(1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by pandemic unemployment assistance under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy.(2)ExceptionParagraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..(b)Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Mixed Earner Unemployment compensationSection 2104(f) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9023(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Statute of Limitations(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..(c)Pandemic emergency unemployment compensationSection 2107(e) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9025(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Statute of Limitations(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..3.Budget offsetOut of the unobligated balances of amounts made available by section 2118(a) of title II of division A of Public Law 116–136, as added by section 9032 of Public Law 117–2, $5,000,000 are hereby rescinded.

4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.Passed the House of Representatives March 11, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.March 13, 2025Read the second time and placed on the calendar

Reported in House (RH)

117 HR 1156 RH: Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act U.S. House of Representatives 2025-02-25 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 2119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1156[Report No. 119–6]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 10, 2025Mr. Smith of Missouri (for himself, Mr. LaHood, Mr. Yakym, Mr. Bean of Florida, Mr. Moran, Ms. Van Duyne, Mr. Feenstra, Mr. Carey, Mr. Miller of Ohio, Mr. Steube, Mr. Buchanan, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Smith of Nebraska, Mrs. Miller of West Virginia, Mr. Smucker, Mr. Kustoff, Ms. Malliotakis, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Moore of Utah, Mr. Estes, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Mr. Hern of Oklahoma, Mr. Arrington, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Fischbach, and Mr. Schweikert) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansFebruary 25, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on February 10, 2025A BILLTo amend the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act.2.Extension of the statute of limitations for fraud by individuals under certain unemployment programs(a)Pandemic unemployment assistanceSection 2102 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9021) is amended—(1)by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and(2)by inserting after subsection (g) the following new subsection: (h)Statute of Limitations(1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by pandemic unemployment assistance under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy.(2)ExceptionParagraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..(b)Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Mixed Earner Unemployment compensationSection 2104(f) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9023(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Statute of Limitations(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..(c)Pandemic emergency unemployment compensationSection 2107(e) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9025(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Statute of Limitations(A)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subparagraph (B), any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1344, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18, United States Code, or section 3729 or 3801 of title 31, United States Code, with respect to any unemployment compensation claim funded in whole or in part by Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation under this section shall be brought not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy. (B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply with respect to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the statute of limitations applicable to such criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action expired prior to the date of enactment of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act..3.Budget offsetOut of the unobligated balances of amounts made available by section 2118(a) of title II of division A of Public Law 116–136, as added by section 9032 of Public Law 117–2, $5,000,000 are hereby rescinded.

4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.February 25, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.

All Actions (20)

DateChamberAll Actions
02/10/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
02/10/2025Library of CongressIntroduced in House
02/10/2025House floor actionsReferred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
02/12/2025House committee actionsCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
02/12/2025House committee actionsOrdered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 18.
02/25/2025Library of CongressReported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-6.
02/25/2025House floor actionsReported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-6.
02/25/2025House floor actionsPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 2.
03/11/2025House floor actionsRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 211 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 25, H.R. 1156 and H.R. 1968. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 25, H.R. 1156, and H.R. 1968 under a closed rule. Also, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
03/11/2025House floor actionsConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 211. (consideration: CR H1093-1099)
03/11/2025House floor actionsRule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 25, H.R. 1156 and H.R. 1968. The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 25, H.R. 1156, and H.R. 1968 under a closed rule. Also, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
03/11/2025House floor actionsDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 1156.
03/11/2025House floor actionsThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
03/11/2025House floor actionsPOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 1156, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Davis (IL) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
03/11/2025House floor actionsConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1124)
03/11/2025Library of CongressPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 295 - 127 (Roll no. 68). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1093-1094)
03/11/2025House floor actionsOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 295 - 127 (Roll no. 68). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H1093-1094)
03/11/2025House floor actionsMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
03/12/2025SenateReceived in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
03/13/2025SenateRead the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.

Titles (7)

Title TypeTitle
Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill textTo amend the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, and for other purposes.
Short Title(s) from PCS (Placed on Senate Calendar) bill textPandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act
Short Title(s) as Passed HousePandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act
Short Title(s) as Reported to HousePandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act
Display TitlePandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act
Short Title(s) as IntroducedPandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the CARES Act to extend the statute of limitations for fraud under certain unemployment programs, and for other purposes.

Amendments (1)

AmendmentSponsorPurposeLatest Action
HAMDT 703/11/2025 On agreeing to the Rules amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection.

Cosponsors (25)

* = Original cosponsor

Committees (3)

CommitteeActivity
House - Ways and Means Committee02/25/2025 Reported By
House - Ways and Means Committee02/12/2025 Markup By
House - Ways and Means Committee02/10/2025 Referred To

Related Bills (2)

Subjects (6)

Policy Area: Labor and Employment

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