House Republicans have issued a subpoena to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz regarding his administration's management of taxpayer funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subpoena, sent by the House Education and Workforce Committee, focuses on a $250 million fraud scheme involving a Minnesota-based nonprofit called Feeding Our Future. The Department of Justice had previously accused the organization of exploiting a federally-funded child nutrition program amid the pandemic.
Feeding Our Future allegedly defrauded the federal program by fabricating attendance rosters and falsifying invoices to show food purchases for non-existent children. Over 70 individuals have been charged in connection to the scheme, with five already found guilty.
Committee Chair Virginia highlighted Walz's responsibility as the chief executive of Minnesota and raised concerns about his involvement or knowledge of the Minnesota Department of Education's administration of Federal Child Nutrition Programs.
In response to the subpoena, a spokeswoman for Walz emphasized the state's efforts to combat the fraud, noting that the state department of education collaborated with the FBI to address the issue. Local reports also indicate that Walz's administration took steps to investigate and address the fraud, including contacting the FBI about suspected misconduct.
Furthermore, the House Republicans have expanded their scrutiny of Walz following his selection as the Democratic vice presidential candidate. The House Oversight Committee has initiated an investigation into Walz's connections to China, adding to the growing scrutiny surrounding the governor.
The subpoenas have not only targeted Walz but also Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett and Biden administration Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, indicating a broader investigation into the handling of federal programs in Minnesota.
