Watch: Senator says $79 billion in COVID-19 fraud included loan applicants who used doll-face photos for ID
Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who has spent much of her Washington career fighting government waste, called out fraud examples Wednesday, including people who used pictures of dolls on…
Senator Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who has spent much of her Washington career fighting government waste, called out fraud examples Wednesday, including people who used pictures of dolls on their applications for small-business loans.
“Imagine giving Barbie or Ken a taxpayer-funded loan,” said Ernst, who chairs the Senate’s Small Business Committee, with a poster of doll-face photos behind her.
She cited further instances of people 115 years old and older receiving $333 million in loans, as well as a supposedly 157-year-old who was approved for a $36,000 loan.
“That’s pure hogwash,” said Ernst, who is not seeking reelection in 2026. “But this is only the tip of the iceberg.”
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