Milwaukee City Wire

On February 1, 2024, a group of legislators led by U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced a disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act, targeting the Treasury's misuse of COVID recovery dollars. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined this bicameral group in denouncing the Treasury's actions and the redefinition of the original intention of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Sens. Johnson and Schmitt were supported by several other senators on this resolution, including Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Additionally, a similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Califf.), Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), and Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.).

The group's disapproval resolution aims to address the Treasury's alleged abuse of COVID recovery funds and their deviation from the original purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. This move comes as a response to concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the misuse of taxpayer funds and the need to hold the Treasury accountable.

According to Politico, the disapproval resolution has gained significant attention and support from both chambers of Congress. It serves as a clear message to the Treasury that their actions are being scrutinized and will not go unnoticed.

Sen. Johnson expressed his concerns about the Treasury's mishandling of COVID recovery funds, stating, "We cannot stand by and allow the Treasury to continue abusing these funds and redefining the purpose for which they were intended. It is our duty as lawmakers to hold them accountable and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used appropriately."

The introduction of this resolution demonstrates the commitment of lawmakers to uphold transparency and accountability in the use of COVID recovery funds. It sends a strong message to the Treasury that legislators from both the Senate and the House are united in their denouncement of these alleged abuses.

As the disapproval resolution gains traction, legislators are hopeful that it will lead to a thorough investigation into the Treasury's actions and ultimately result in corrective measures to prevent future misuse of COVID recovery funds. The group's efforts aim to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure that they are used solely for their intended purpose of aiding states and localities in their COVID-19 recovery efforts.

With bipartisan support and a clear objective, the legislators involved in this disapproval resolution are determined to hold the Treasury accountable and restore the integrity of the COVID recovery funds. The resolution serves as a reminder that lawmakers are actively monitoring the use of taxpayer dollars and will take action to rectify any perceived abuses.

In the face of ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for government agencies to prioritize transparency, accountability, and responsible use of funds. The introduction of this disapproval resolution is a testament to the commitment of legislators to fulfill their duty and protect the interests of the American people.