Congressman Max Miller Introduces CLOSE Act to Protect Taxpayer Dollars and Stop COVID-Era Fraud

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced the CLOSE Act (Clawing back Lapsed Obligations from State Emergency programs Act) to rescind leftover COVID-era unemployment funds that can no longer be responsibly distributed and would instead expose taxpayers to massive fraud. The bill responds to ongoing litigation that could force Ohio to distribute nearly $1 billion in pandemic unemployment assistance years after the programs ended. State records are outdated, many recipients are no longer eligible, and attempting to restart these programs would create an enormous opportunity for criminal fraud networks. 

“Ohio’s private sector completely recovered all the jobs that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic in just two years, and jobs have only continued to grow since then,” said Senator Jon Husted. “Aimlessly and unnecessarily dispersing nearly $1 billion would be a fraudster’s paradise. We need to continue focusing on fiscal responsibility and protecting hard-earned taxpayer dollars.” 

“In 2020, Congress acted quickly to help Americans who lost their jobs, but trying to distribute these funds seven years later is not relief, it’s an invitation for fraud,” said Congressman Miller. “The CLOSE Act protects taxpayers, closes the door on waste and abuse, and brings a responsible end to emergency programs that have already served their purpose.” 

“The CLOSE Act brings common sense and finality to pandemic-era programs that have long since outlived their purpose,” said Congressman Balderson. “With the Covid pandemic over and the economy moving forward, it’s time to responsibly close the books and protect the integrity of federal tax dollars.”  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been over for years now. There is no need to force Governor DeWine and others to continue providing additional benefits that were made available during the pandemic,” said Congressman Carey. “I applaud Congressman Max Miller’s leadership on introducing the CLOSE Act to rescind unobligated funds and terminate these pandemic programs. We are still uncovering and prosecuting fraud related to pandemic programs. Allowing these funds to be returned to the federal government is not only sound fiscal policy but it also ensures that the money is used appropriately and efficiently.”  

The CLOSE Act rescinds unobligated balances and formally terminates several CARES Act unemployment programs, including: 

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 
• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) 
• Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) 
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) 

By closing these programs permanently, the legislation ensures COVID-era relief dollars are not repurposed into a windfall for fraudsters and reinforces Congress’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability. 

Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller: 
Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The Republican sophomore members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Main Street Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit http://maxmiller.house.gov for more information. 

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