**Tim Walz Subpoenaed in Massive Pandemic Fraud Investigation**
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| Tim Walz Subpoenaed in Massive Pandemic Fraud Investigation |
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been subpoenaed by the House Education and Workforce Committee in a major probe into alleged pandemic relief fund fraud. The investigation centers on a non-profit, Feeding Our Future, accused of misusing over $250 million intended for feeding children during the pandemic.
**Key Details:**
- **Subpoena Issued:** The House Committee has demanded documents and communications from Walz related to the administration of federal child nutrition programs (FCNP) and the alleged fraud. Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx emphasized the need to uncover the extent of Walz's and his administration’s involvement in addressing the fraud.
- **Fraud Allegations:** The committee claims that Feeding Our Future created fictitious names to issue fraudulent reimbursements. Foxx accused Walz of being aware of the significant fraud occurring under his governance and criticized the lack of substantive responses from previous document requests.
**State Response:**
- **Condemnation of Fraud:** A spokesperson for Walz denounced the fraud as a severe abuse of pandemic relief programs. They highlighted the state Department of Education’s efforts to combat the fraud and praised the FBI’s role in arresting and charging those involved.
**Broader Context:**
- **Fraud Investigation:** The U.S. House Committee is examining the oversight of federal child nutrition programs by the USDA and Minnesota’s Department of Education. The fraud scheme, described as the largest pandemic-related fraud in the country, led to the conviction of five individuals and 70 total charges related to the scheme.
- **Document Deadline:** Walz is required to submit the requested documents by September 18. Although the subpoena does not mandate his personal appearance before the committee, the scrutiny reflects increasing pressure on Walz regarding his handling of the situation.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus on Walz and other officials continues to intensify, revealing the serious implications of the alleged misuse of pandemic relief funds.