Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Ban Welfare Recipients from Sending Money to Foreign Nations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the No American Benefits Abroad Act, which would codify a Trump administration announcement to ban recipients of welfare from initiating international wire transfers or sending money abroad. 

This bill would also require that those who wish to wire funds certify that they do not receive public assistance.

“The $9-billion fraud scandal in Minnesota is a stark warning to the country that waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars remains a serious and rampant issue. It’s especially concerning that the American safety net continues to be susceptible to criminals taking these resources away from those in need. This is why I have worked with President Trump to pass laws that ensure these programs are going only to those who are eligible. We cannot tolerate even a single taxpayer dollar being wasted due to fraudulent activity at the hands of criminals,” said Rep. Feenstra. “This scandal requires further action, and it is why I introduced legislation to codify an announcement by the Trump administration to ban welfare recipients from sending money abroad. These programs are supposed to be a temporary hand-up for our most vulnerable neighbors, but if someone has enough money to send to foreign countries, they should not be on welfare in the first place. My bill codifies President Trump’s work to combat fraud while protecting Iowa taxpayers from footing the cost of foreign money transfers.”

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