Angie Craig (D-MN)
Stop Fraud in Federal Programs Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +5
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill increases penalties for theft and bribery of federal funds to deter misuse of government money.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires annual third-party audits of summer food service accounts to be submitted directly to the Secretary.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into public schools?
The bill implements stricter oversight through annual third-party audits of summer food service program records.
The opposite
- Scored -6
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill increases penalties for theft and bribery of federal funds to deter misuse of government money.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill mandates stricter auditing of the summer food service program used by children. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill increases accountability for programs like the summer food service that support low-income families.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual third-party audits of summer food service accounts to be submitted directly to the Secretary.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill introduces mandatory third-party audits for the summer food service program to ensure proper fund management. Does this shorten or soften prison sentences? — The bill increases maximum prison sentences for theft or bribery concerning federal programs from 10 to 20 years.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill implements stricter oversight through annual third-party audits of summer food service program records.
- 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