Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has joined Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in introducing the Stop Fraud by Strengthening Oversight and More Accountability for Lying and Illegal Activity (Stop Fraud by SOMALIA) Act. The legislation aims to increase federal oversight of child care assistance programs and impose penalties on those who commit fraud.
“Americans are the most generous people in the world. That’s why I was so disgusted when I saw scammers, mostly members of Minnesota’s Somali community, take advantage of the American people’s kindness and rob them blind under the guise of ‘child care.’ I’m proud to support the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, which will crack down on these vile crimes and tackle fraud head-on,” said Kennedy.
Cornyn commented on the situation in Minnesota, stating: “The Minnesota scandal has exposed a deep-rooted, morally bankrupt fraud empire, and it is clear more must be done to rid our nation of these heinous criminals. I applaud President Trump for his efforts to end this corruption, and I’m proud to take it a step further with the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act, which would ensure these consequences are enshrined into law before any more funds are misused or sent overseas to fund American-hating terrorist networks like we saw in now-disgraced Governor Walz’s state.”
Scott added: “Families deserve to know what their taxpayer dollars are being used for. What we’ve seen in Minnesota, where federal dollars meant to support children are being fraudulently used, is outrageous and those at fault must be held responsible. The Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act delivers accountability by permanently barring bad actors who steal public funds from receiving federal support and by strengthening oversight to ensure these programs serve children, not criminals. I’ll keep fighting to protect hardworking families and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
Tuberville stated: “Taxpayer-funded, Somalian-run ‘child care centers’ in Minnesota are one of the biggest scandals in American taxpayer history. Governor Tim Walz is 100% responsible for this disaster. He welcomed Somalian illegals to Minnesota, handed them billions in taxpayer dollars, and then refused to ask basic questions about where the money was going. It’s beyond embarrassing and should NEVER be allowed to happen in this country. Congress needs to pass the SOMALIA Act to ensure this is the last time taxpayers have to foot the bill for illegal operations like we have seen in Minnesota.”
The proposed legislation would make several changes:
– Child care providers found guilty of fraud would be permanently barred from all federally funded child care assistance programs.
– Those who obtained funds fraudulently would be required to repay them; states would also need to deny funding to such providers and reimburse misused federal money.
– The act mandates referrals for federal criminal investigations when providers commit fraud.
– Immigration-related consequences include making non-citizen providers who commit fraud inadmissible or deportable, barring them from certain immigration benefits, requiring mandatory detention or expedited removal under some circumstances, and expanding terrorism-related inadmissibility if funds supported terrorist organizations.
In December 2025 and January 2026, Senator Kennedy spoke on the Senate floor regarding large-scale welfare fraud allegations in Minnesota. He called for action against officials linked with enabling such activities within Governor Tim Walz’s administration.
Senator Kennedy represents Louisiana in the United States Senate where he serves on several committees including Appropriations; Budget; Energy and Natural Resources; as well as chairing a committee focused on banking, housing, and urban affairs according to his official website. He advocates for policies that benefit veterans, farmers, small businesses, national security issues and engages constituents through newsletters, town halls, public events and operates offices throughout Louisiana.
