Protecting American Taxpayers Act

Sponsor: Joni Ernst (Republican-IA)April 22, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 401.

Cracks down on fraud in government programs and recovers unspent COVID funds.

This bill aims to stop fraud and improper payments across many federal programs, including child care, healthcare, and small business assistance. It would also take back billions in unused COVID-19 relief money. This means more oversight on how government funds are spent and stricter rules for those receiving aid.

What Would Change

Today, child care providers might be paid based on enrollment, and there are standard time limits for prosecuting fraud. After this bill, child care payments would be based on attendance, and the time limit for prosecuting COVID-era fraud would be extended to 10 years. Also, billions in unused COVID-19 funds would be returned to the government, and new rules would apply to public assistance recipients regarding sending money abroad. Additionally, US financial assistance would be restricted for entities controlled by certain foreign agents, and aid would be suspended for countries or NGOs assisting the Taliban.

Key Provisions

Requires child care providers to be paid based on recorded attendance, not just enrollment, for federal child care subsidies.
Would make federal agencies report payment spikes in Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act health plans to find potential fraud.
Restricts United States financial assistance to entities controlled by agents of certain foreign nations, including China, Russia, and Iran.
Requires a strategy to oppose foreign aid to the Taliban and suspends US aid to countries or non-governmental organizations that assist the Taliban.
Rescinds billions of dollars in unused COVID-19 relief funds, sending them back to reduce the national debt.

View on Congress.gov

S 4378 · 119th Congress · April 22, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 9/10

Protecting American Taxpayers Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity