Bill · H.R. 7155· House(119-HR-7155)
Stop Fraud in Federal Programs Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 1/20/2026
- Last activity
- 1/20/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Angie Craig
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Stop Fraud in Federal Programs Act of 2026," aims to change how we punish theft and bribery involving federal funds. It proposes increasing prison sentences for these crimes from a maximum of 10 years to a maximum of 20 years. The bill also updates how fines are calculated by introducing a "covered amount" based on the value of the stolen property. Additionally, the legislation seeks to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. This amendment would require annual audits of accounts and records for institutions under the summer food service program. These audits must be conducted by a third-party auditor and submitted directly to the Secretary.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+5
The bill increases penalties for theft and bribery of federal funds to deter misuse of government money.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill requires annual third-party audits of summer food service accounts to be submitted directly to the Secretary.
Does this put more money into public schools?+3
The bill implements stricter oversight through annual third-party audits of summer food service program records.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-6
The bill increases maximum prison sentences for theft or bribery concerning federal programs from 10 to 20 years.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Penalties for Theft or Bribery: Under Section 2, the bill increases the maximum prison sentence from 10 years to s 20 years for theft or bribery concerning programs receiving Federal funds. This could act as a stronger deterrent against those looking to misuse federal money.
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Mandatory Program Audits: Section 3 requires that service institutions under the summer food service program have their accounts and records audited annually by a third-party auditor. This process ensures that results are submitted directly to the Secretary, which may provide better oversight of the program's funds.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Financial and Prison Risks: Under Section 2, the bill changes the fine structure to a "covered amount," which is defined as the greater of $250,000 or twice the value of the property or things of value involved. This represents a significant increase in the potential financial burden and prison time for individuals subject to these laws.
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New Compliance Requirements: Section 3 mandates that service institutions under the summer food service program must undergo annual audits by a third-party auditor that is not a service institution or sponsor organization. This creates a new requirement for these institutions to manage and submit their records.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+2Good For Low Income Households+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-6
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+3
- 2/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/20/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas