WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) introduced the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026, which would make permanent the newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The legislation would establish an Assistant Attorney General, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to lead DOJ efforts to investigate, prosecute, and prevent fraud within federally funded programs.
Specifically, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act:
- Requires the division to provide guidance and support to U.S. Attorney Offices on fraud-related matters;
- Authorizes the division to develop national fraud enforcement priorities;
- Requires the division to recommend legislative and regulatory reforms to address vulnerabilities that enable fraud and abuse, and;
- Directs the division to advise the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General on major fraud investigations, prosecutions, and related policy issues.
“In Minnesota, we’ve seen real accountability come as a result of the numerous federal fraud investigations underway by the DOJ. I’m grateful for the Trump administration’s continued efforts to put an end to the fraud and abuse within our federally funded programs,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to introduce this important legislation with Rep. Schmidt, which will centralize fraud prevention efforts within federal law enforcement and give the DOJ greater ability to fully investigate and prosecute the fraudsters responsible for stealing Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”
“Fraud against the federal government and American taxpayers costs billions of dollars each year,” said Rep. Schmidt. “By making this division permanent, we can strengthen the Department of Justice’s ability to investigate and prosecute complex fraud schemes, protect taxpayer-funded programs, and ensure those who steal from the American people are held accountable.”
Background:
In April 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the establishment of the National Fraud Enforcement Division within the Department of Justice, tasked with investigating and prosecuting those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.
The National Fraud Enforcement Division Act would codify the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, making it permanent within the DOJ, and support ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
