Put America on Commission Act of 2026
House Committee Advances Bill to Pay Whistleblowers for Reporting COVID-19 Loan Fraud
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill creates a new office within the Small Business Administration to reward people who report fraud in COVID-19 relief programs. If someone provides information that leads to a conviction or a legal settlement, they can receive a portion of the money the government recovers.
- Whistleblowers can receive 10% of the recovered funds if the fraud was committed by a U.S. person or business. If the fraud involved a foreign person or company, the reward increases to 15% of the recovered amount.
- The rewards are paid from a new fund filled by the money collected from fraudsters. This includes a new penalty equal to 30% of the total loan amount that must be paid on top of other fines, which helps cover the costs of the program.
- The policy includes rules to prevent bad actors from profiting. People who planned or started the fraud themselves are not eligible for rewards. If multiple people report the same crime, the reward goes to the person who provided the most helpful information.
- The bill protects whistleblowers from being fired or mistreated for speaking up. If a person faces retaliation for reporting fraud, they have the right to seek legal relief and compensation through the courts.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
People who were convicted of or charged with COVID-19 loan fraud face significant new consequences under this bill. Beyond existing criminal penalties, they would owe an additional civil monetary penalty equal to 30% of the total loan principal. The new whistleblower incentive structure also increases the likelihood that previously undetected fraud will be reported and prosecuted, expanding the pool of people who could end up with criminal records related to pandemic relief programs.
Milestones
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 425.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-499.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 0.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
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The House Committee on Small Business favorably reported the Put America on Commission Act of 2026 (H.R. 7412) on February 11. The bill establishes whistleblower incentives for reporting pandemic-era loan fraud, aiming to enhance SBA accountability and recover stolen taxpayer funds.
Covid Fraud Deadline Looms For Small Firms In US
US senators and representatives are pushing legislation like the Put America on Commission Act to recover billions in suspected pandemic-era fraud. The bill, which passed the House committee, creates a whistleblower reward system to identify swindlers before prosecution deadlines expire.
Accountant Sentenced for Fraudulently Securing Over $221K in Loans
As federal agencies crack down on COVID-19 relief fraud, the Put America on Commission Act of 2026 has been introduced to incentivize whistleblowers. The bill proposes paying commissions to individuals who provide information leading to the recovery of misused Paycheck Protection Program funds.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Put America on Commission Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.