SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act

# SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill extends the time period during which federal prosecutors can charge someone with fraud related to two specific COVID-19 relief programs—the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (which helped entertainment venues) and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (which assisted restaurants). Currently, prosecutors have a limited window to bring cases; this bill would extend that window to 10 years for both criminal charges and civil lawsuits involving fraud in these programs. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects people or businesses that may have fraudulently obtained money from these two relief programs, as well as federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies investigating fraud.

It could also impact recipients of legitimate grants who might face increased scrutiny or investigations during the extended period. **Current status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting action in the Senate. The extension responds to ongoing concerns about fraud in pandemic relief programs, which investigators have identified as a significant problem across various COVID-19 aid initiatives.