End COVID-19 Loan Payment Suspensions for Small Businesses, Enhance Fraud Control.
This act aims to resume and accelerate the collection of COVID-19 relief loans provided to small businesses. It extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud related to these funds and increases oversight of their recovery, potentially impacting the financial stability of small businesses and enhancing public spending transparency.
Key points
Resumption of COVID-19 Loan Collections: Small businesses that received pandemic-related loans will need to resume repayments, with the Small Business Administration (SBA) referring claims to the Treasury Department for collection.
Extended Fraud Prosecution Period: The time limit for filing fraud charges related to COVID-19 funds (loans, grants) has been extended to 10 years, increasing the likelihood of recovering improperly obtained funds.
Increased Transparency and Oversight: The act mandates regular reports from the SBA and the Department of Justice on fund recovery and fraud prosecution, with recovered money dedicated to reducing the national debt.
Placed on Calendar
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_68
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Process start date: 2025-01-09