James Comer is Chairman of the House Oversight Committee. | https://oversight.house.gov/chairman-james-comer/
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on March 4, 2026, regarding alleged fraud and misuse of federal funds in Minnesota’s social services programs. The hearing, titled “Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota: Part II,” will take place at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) confirmed their participation and emphasized the importance of transparency in the investigation. “Americans deserve answers about the rampant misuse of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota’s social services programs that occurred on Governor Walz’s and Attorney General Ellison’s watch. The House Oversight Committee recently heard sworn testimony from Minnesota state lawmakers who stated that Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison failed to act to stop this widespread fraud and retaliated against whistleblowers who raised concerns. We look forward to questioning Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison under oath about this scandal to ensure transparency and accountability for the American people, and to advance solutions to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and impose stronger penalties on those who defraud taxpayers,” said Chairman Comer.
Further details for media attendance will be released a week prior to the hearing.
The committee began its investigation into suspected money laundering and fraud within Minnesota's social services programs in December 2025. This action followed findings by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota indicating that an estimated $9 billion was stolen from funds meant for food assistance, support for autistic children, housing aid for low-income or disabled individuals, and healthcare for Medicaid recipients.
Chairman Comer has requested documents from both Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison concerning the alleged fraud during their administration. He has also asked the U.S. Department of the Treasury for all relevant Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) related to these cases as part of the ongoing investigation. Interviews with current and former state officials are scheduled through February.
A report issued by the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor on January 6, 2026, concluded that the Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Administration did not meet most requirements or maintain sufficient internal controls over grant funds. One example cited was a grantee receiving nearly $680,000 for one month’s work without documentation or proof that any work was completed; shortly after approving this payment, a grant manager left their position to join the recipient organization.
On January 7, 2026, lawmakers testified at a previous committee hearing addressing similar issues within Minnesota’s management of federal funds.
