The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) – U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance unveiled a Pledge to Protect Americans from Fraud. The pledge consists of six pillars to secure federal programs, coordinate anti-fraud actions across government agencies and deliver justice to those who illegally take advantage of taxpayer-funded benefits. As a Congressional leader supporting Republicans’ “War on Fraud,” U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) signed onto Vice President Vance’s pledge.
In response to signing the pledge, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:
“I am proud to stand by Vice President Vance and Republicans focused on waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government.
“By signing this pledge, I reaffirm my commitment to fundamental actions that protect taxpayer-funded benefits, stop fraud and support vulnerable American patients.
“Republicans in Congress agree: fraudulently taking advantage of Americans who benefit from federal health care programs and privileges is WRONG!”
BACKGROUND
Congressman Griffith is a supporter of numerous Congressional actions to combat fraud.
As the Health Subcommittee Chairman for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Griffith is a lead Committee investigator into health care fraud.
Recently, Lynchburg, Virginia, officials notified residents that more than $60,000 in SNAP benefits were stolen from Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The stolen benefits cannot be currently replaced, leaving SNAP participants without their fully allotted funds and putting them at risk of going hungry.
Responding to this news, Congressman Griffith issued his support as co-sponsor to the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act.
In September, Congressman Griffith also introduced an anti-fraud bill to protect Medicaid, H.R. 10621 – the Medicaid Fraud Fighting and Taxpayer Protection Act.
Earlier this summer, as part of efforts to crack down on birth tourism and fraudulent activity that exploits U.S. citizenship laws, Congressman Griffith introduced H.R. 9724, the End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act.
