The House Oversight Committee is expanding its investigation into what it describes as widespread fraud and money laundering within Minnesota’s social services programs.

Chairman James Comer (R‑KY) announced the move Monday, saying the inquiry will examine alleged failures by Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, as well as how the state responded to whistleblowers.

Comer said whistleblowers have raised serious concerns about the misuse of taxpayer funds and the state’s handling of early warnings. In a statement, he argued that the information suggests “American taxpayers were defrauded in Minnesota,” and questioned whether state officials failed to act or were aware of the alleged wrongdoing.

He also accused the Walz administration of allowing public funds to be diverted to foreign networks, a claim the committee intends to scrutinize.

As part of the expanded probe, the committee is seeking additional information from federal agencies. Comer sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting all relevant Suspicious Activity Reports tied to the Minnesota case, along with a staff briefing on how the department monitors financial transactions and enforces regulations involving foreign fund transfers.

The committee also contacted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, requesting a Justice Department briefing on the fraud uncovered by federal prosecutors in Minnesota. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota previously announced charges in a large-scale scheme involving state-funded social services programs, prompting renewed congressional interest.

In addition to federal records, Comer is seeking transcribed interviews with several Minnesota state officials as the committee examines whether the state attempted to conceal the extent of the fraud or retaliated against whistleblowers. Comer said the panel intends to use its full investigative authority as it continues to review the case.

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