Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this surprise billing our workers act.

This bill would harass workers with surprise bills for unemployment benefits that were overpaid due to State errors. These workers, many of whom worked long hours for low wages, rightfully used these benefits on basic needs, such as utilities, rent, and groceries, with no way of knowing that there was a mistake.

State agencies were simply not equipped to expeditiously get out pandemic unemployment benefits, resulting in a number of overpayments to workers who filled out their applications honestly in States led by Governors of both parties.

There is no denying that there were wrongdoers who exploited the emergency programs set up by Congress to assist American workers. However, this is not an excuse to go after honest Americans who did nothing wrong.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

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