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Congress·Reported·19 days ago

House Committee Advances Bill to Pay Whistleblowers for Reporting COVID-19 Loan Fraud

Also known as: Put America on Commission Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

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Review
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Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

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.
Economy FinanceCriminal Justice

Milestones

4 milestones6 actions
Feb 20, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 425.

Feb 20, 2026House

Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-499.

Feb 11, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 0.

Feb 11, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Feb 5, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 3 months of enactment

SBA must issue rules on how the Inspector General evaluates whistleblower tips

This sets the ground rules for how tips are processed and whether they qualify for awards, which must happen before any whistleblower can receive a payout.

Within 6 months of enactment

SBA must finalize all rules needed to run the new Office of Whistleblower Awards

Once these rules are in place, people can start submitting tips about COVID loan fraud and potentially earn cash rewards of 10-15% of recovered funds.

Related News

3 articles
BizPac Review·14 days ago

Economy outlook: Why small business optimism holds the line

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.

R+
Ommcom News·4 days ago

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.

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Small Business News·6 days ago

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.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Put America on Commission Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7412
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 425.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.