Bill · S. 121· Senate(119-S-121)
Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act
- Introduced
- 1/16/2025
- Last activity
- 1/16/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- - 13 - 4
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act," aims to extend the statute of limitations for violations related to pandemic-era programs. It specifically targets offenses involving funding or activities authorized by various pandemic-era laws, such as the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The legislation would extend the time allowed to prosecute criminal offenses to 10 years. It also adjusts the timeline for civil actions regarding property forfeiture and false claims. These changes ensure that legal actions can be taken longer after the initial violation occurred.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+3
The bill enhances the ability to recover funds through extended civil action windows for false claims.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The extension of the statute of limitations provides a more robust mechanism for the government to enforce laws related to pandemic-era funding.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+1
Increased enforcement against fraudulent use of pandemic-era funds may protect public resources intended for low-income support.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill increases long-term legal and financial liability for business owners involved in pandemic-era programs.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
The bill extends the window of legal vulnerability for individuals by lengthening the statute of limitations for criminal and civil offenses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Criminal Prosecution: The bill extends the window for prosecuting criminal offenses related to pandemic-s era laws to 10 years, which allows for legal action even if the offense was committed some time ago (Section 2(b)(1)).
-
Property Forfeiture: For civil actions involving the forfeiture of property related to pandemic-era violations, the bill allows for proceedings to be instituted up to 10 years after the violation was discovered, or 3 years after the involvement of the property was discovered, whichever is later (Section 2(b)(2)).
-
False Claims Actions: The act allows civil actions for false claims involving pandemic-era program violations to be brought up to 10 years after the date the violation was committed (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Extended Liability for Criminal Offenses: Individuals could face prosecution, trial, or punishment for pandemic-era program violations up to 10 years after the offense was committed (Section 2(b)(1)).
-
Extended Civil Liability for Property: Owners of property may face civil actions or proceedings for forfeiture up to 10 years after a violation is discovered (Section 2(b)(2)).
-
Extended Risk of False Claims Suits: Individuals or entities may be subject to civil actions for false claims up to 10 years after a violation occurred (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).
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 Consumer Protection+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Union Workers+1Good For Business Owners-4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Improves Due Process-3
- 8/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/8/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 4/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/5/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/27/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 2/24/2025
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 2/19/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/16/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa
Lindsey GrahamRepublican · South Carolina
Josh HawleyRepublican · Missouri
Jon HustedRepublican · Ohio
Ron JohnsonRepublican · Wisconsin
Amy KlobucharDemocrat · Minnesota
John KennedyRepublican · Louisiana
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Ashley MoodyRepublican · Florida
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina