The gist

The PROOF Act requires states to share benefits data with the U.S. Attorney General on request to investigate fraud in Medicaid, SNAP, unemployment, and other federal aid programs.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: federal fraud investigators, taxpayers, Department of Justice prosecutors chasing pandemic-era aid scams.
• Loses: benefit recipients worried about privacy; state agencies facing new compliance work.

What it does

• Forces states to turn over identity records, benefit logs, and provider billing on written Attorney General request.
• Covers Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, unemployment, COVID relief funds, school emergency grants, and broadband program funds.
• Requires encryption, Privacy Act compliance, and data destruction after cases close.
• Mandates annual reports to Congress on requests, investigations, and convictions. Takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Why should I care?

Supporters say billions were stolen from pandemic unemployment and relief funds, and states have blocked federal investigators. Critics argue giving the Attorney General broad access to sensitive benefits data risks privacy abuse and could scare families off aid. An alternative: independent inspectors general handle fraud probes instead. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.