S. 1199: SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act

Bill text used: Engrossed in Senate (passed the Senate April 29, 2026; not yet law) · updated Oct 28, 2026

This breakdown was drafted by AI from the official documents and passed our automatic checks: every quoted word was found in its source, and every number comes from an official record. A person must review it before we mark it reviewed. Tap any small number to see the exact words a sentence rests on.

At a glance

Sourced

This bill gives the government 10 years, instead of the usual 5, to charge or sue people who cheated certain pandemic grant programs.
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with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)with respect to any restaurant revitalization grant under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(b) → inserted (d)no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed[9] 18 U.S.C. 3282, Offenses not capital (the general 5-year limit; U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)S. 1199 would extend the statutes of limitations from 5 years to 10 years[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026
The programs are the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and grants for shuttered venues like theaters and concert halls.
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There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.[8] 15 U.S.C. 9009c, Restaurant revitalization grants (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (b)a live venue operator or promoter, theatrical producer, or live performing arts organization operator, a relevant museum operator, a motion picture theatre operator, or a talent representative[7] 15 U.S.C. 9009a, Grants for shuttered venue operators (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (a)
It covers crimes such as lying to the government, mail and wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering, plus civil fraud cases.
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any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1001, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)or section 3729 or 3802 of title 31, United States Code[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)
The Justice Department would have to report to Congress on these cases every 90 days.
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Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa wrote it. The Senate passed it on April 29, 2026. It is waiting in the House.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Sponsor2026-04-29 | Senate | Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-04-292026-05-04 10:33:00 | House floor actions | Held at the desk.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-05-04

What it would mean for you

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If you pay federal taxes

More time to recover stolen pandemic aid

Prosecutors would have up to 10 years after a fraud to bring a case, instead of 5.
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with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed[9] 18 U.S.C. 3282, Offenses not capital (the general 5-year limit; U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)
The restaurant fund alone was given $28,600,000,000 in 2021.
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there is appropriated to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $28,600,000,000[8] 15 U.S.C. 9009c, Restaurant revitalization grants (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · (b)
Congress would get regular counts of cases opened, money recovered and cases in each state.
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the total number of investigations initiated, the total number of prosecutions initiated, the total dollar amount recovered by prosecutions[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)(1)the number of prosecutions and the number of investigations of applicants of such programs in each State and territory[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(B)

If you run a restaurant, bar, theater or music venue that got one of these grants

Honest grant users are not affected

The longer window only applies to fraud, false statements and similar crimes tied to the grant.
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any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1001, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)

If you live in Iowa

Your senator wrote it

Sen. Joni Ernst wrote the bill and reported it from the small business committee.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · SponsorReported by Senator Ernst with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2025-07-30

What this bill does not do

Sourced

It is not law yet. The House has not voted on it.
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2026-05-04 10:33:00 | House floor actions | Held at the desk.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-05-04
It does not change the rules for getting a grant. It only extends the time to bring fraud cases.
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with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)with respect to any restaurant revitalization grant under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(b) → inserted (d)
It does not cover other pandemic programs. An earlier committee version did, but the Senate dropped it.
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Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)) is amended by[6] Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · S2107, committee substituteThe committee-reported amendment, in the nature of a substitute, was withdrawn.[6] Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · S2107

Current law vs. the bill

Sourced

Every place the bill changes existing law. On the left, the law as it stands today, quoted from the U.S. Code. On the right, the bill's words.

15 U.S.C. 9009a (shuttered venue grants)Adds a new subsection

Current law

no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed
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no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed[9] 18 U.S.C. 3282, Offenses not capital (the general 5-year limit; U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)

This program had no special time limit. The general federal limit for most crimes is 5 years; some civil cases have other limits.

The bill

with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy
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with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)

In plain words: Sets a 10-year limit for fraud cases tied to shuttered venue grants.

with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)

15 U.S.C. 9009c (restaurant revitalization grants)Adds a new subsection

Current law

no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed
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no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed[9] 18 U.S.C. 3282, Offenses not capital (the general 5-year limit; U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)

Same as above: no special limit; the general limit for most crimes is 5 years.

The bill

with respect to any restaurant revitalization grant under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy
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with respect to any restaurant revitalization grant under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(b) → inserted (d)

In plain words: Sets a 10-year limit for fraud cases tied to restaurant grants.

with respect to any restaurant revitalization grant under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(b) → inserted (d)

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Sourced

Written into the bill

These take effect exactly as written.

The 10-year limit and the list of covered crimes are written into the bill.
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with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1001, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)
Reports are due every 90 days for 5 years.
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Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)

Left to agencies or states

The real effect depends on rules someone else writes later.

The Justice Department decides which cases to bring.
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any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1001, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)
The Attorney General prepares the reports to Congress.
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Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)

Section by section

Sourced

Read all 4 sections in plain words

Sec. 1 Short title: Names the bill the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act.
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This Act may be cited as the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act.[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 1
Sec. 2(a) Shuttered venue grants: Fraud cases tied to shuttered venue grants could be filed up to 10 years after the fraud.
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with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)
The covered laws include conspiracy, theft of public money, false statements, identity theft, mail and wire fraud and money laundering.
2
any criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action for a violation of, or conspiracy to violate, section 371, 641, 1001, 1028A, 1029, 1341, 1343, 1349, 1956, or 1957 of title 18[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)
Civil cases under the False Claims Act and the program fraud law are covered too.
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or section 3729 or 3802 of title 31, United States Code[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)
Sec. 2(b) Restaurant grants: The same 10-year limit would apply to restaurant revitalization grants.
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with respect to any restaurant revitalization grant under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(b) → inserted (d)
Sec. 2(c) Reports to Congress: Every 90 days for 5 years, the Attorney General would report investigations, prosecutions, money recovered and referrals.
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Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)the total number of investigations initiated, the total number of prosecutions initiated, the total dollar amount recovered by prosecutions[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)(1)
Reports would show cases by state and whether each referral led to charges.
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the number of prosecutions and the number of investigations of applicants of such programs in each State and territory[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(B)the disposition of each referral described in subparagraph (C), specifically whether the referral resulted in prosecution or declination[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)(2)(D)

What changed between versions

Sourced

2 steps, from first draft to final text

From the Senate bill as introduced to the committee's version (Senate)

The small business committee's version would also have set longer limits for other Small Business Administration pandemic programs.
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Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)) is amended by[6] Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · S2107, committee substitute

From the committee's version (Senate) to the Senate-passed text

On the floor, the Senate dropped the committee version and passed a narrower one covering only the restaurant and venue grants.
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2026-04-29 | Senate | The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-04-29The committee-reported amendment, in the nature of a substitute, was withdrawn.[6] Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · S2107
It added the Justice Department reports.
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The amendment (No. 5441), to amendment No. 5440, was considered and agreed to as follows:[6] Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · S2107Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(c)

Cost

Sourced

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would cost $2 million to carry out over 2026 to 2031.
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CBO estimates that implementing S. 1199 would cost $2 million over the 2026-2031 period[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026
It expected about 30 more cases won by the government, lowering federal spending by $6 million.
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CBO expects that DOJ and the SBA would prevail in about 30 additional cases[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026CBO estimates that enacting S. 1199 would decrease direct spending by $6 million[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026
Revenue would rise by less than $500,000 over 2026 to 2036.
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CBO estimates that enacting the legislation would increase revenues by less than $500,000 over the 2026-2036 period.[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026

Analysis

Every bill gets the same five questions. Arguments are attributed to the people who made them, and each side gets about the same space.

Path to law

Sen. Ernst introduced it on March 27, 2025.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Sponsor2025-03-27 | Library of Congress | Introduced in Senate[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2025-03-27
Her small business committee approved a version on July 16, 2025.
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2025-07-16 | Senate | Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2025-07-16Reported by Senator Ernst with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2025-07-30
The Senate passed a narrower version without objection on April 29, 2026.
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2026-04-29 | Senate | The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-04-292026-04-29 | Senate | Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-04-29
The House received it and has held it since May 4, 2026, without a vote.
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2026-05-04 10:33:00 | House floor actions | Held at the desk.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-05-04

Balance of power

Ernst, a Republican, chairs the Senate small business committee. Her one cosponsor is Republican Sen. Dave McCormick.
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Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA][1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · SponsorReported by Senator Ernst with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2025-07-30Cosponsors (1): Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA] (2026-08-04)[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Cosponsors

Coalitions

The Senate passed it without a recorded vote, and no senator spoke on it.
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2026-04-29 | Senate | Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.[1] Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Actions, 2026-04-29The bill (S. 1199), as amended, was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed[6] Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · S2108

Precedent

Most federal crimes must be charged within 5 years. This bill would set 10 years for these grant programs.
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no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any offense, not capital, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within five years next after such offense shall have been committed[9] 18 U.S.C. 3282, Offenses not capital (the general 5-year limit; U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · (a)with respect to any grant for shuttered venue operators under this section shall be filed not later than 10 years after the date of the violation or conspiracy[2] Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Sec. 2(a) → inserted (g)

The strongest case on each side

For

The government would win about 30 more cases, lowering federal spending by $6 million.
5
CBO expects that DOJ and the SBA would prevail in about 30 additional cases[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026CBO estimates that enacting S. 1199 would decrease direct spending by $6 million[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026
Congressional Budget Office (cost estimate)

Against

No one opposed it on the record. Carrying it out would cost about $2 million over 2026 to 2031.
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CBO estimates that implementing S. 1199 would cost $2 million over the 2026-2031 period[5] CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · CBO estimate, July 22, 2026
Congressional Budget Office (cost estimate); a limit, not an argument anyone made

Did this make sense?

Sourced

Three quick questions. Your answers are anonymous and tell us which breakdowns need clearer writing.

1. How long would prosecutors have to bring these fraud cases?

2. Which programs does the bill cover?

3. Is this bill law?

How this was checked

Sourced

3 checks

Automatic: every quote matched its source; every number matched an official record.
CBO estimate (July 22, 2026): Hand-recorded excerpts; CBO's site blocks automatic download, so an editor must confirm them before publishing.
Committee report: None: the committee reported without a written report. The committee's version is read from the Congressional Record.

Spot an error? See our corrections log and how to report one

Sources

Sourced

All 9 sources

Official bill status record (actions, votes, cosponsors) · Official bill record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Engrossed in Senate (2026-04-29) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Reported to Senate (2025-07-30) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
Introduced in Senate (2025-03-27) · Bill text · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
CBO: S. 1199, SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act (As passed by the Senate on April 29, 2026) · Congressional Budget Office · retrieved Oct 28, 2026 · excerpts recorded by hand, awaiting confirmation
Congressional Record, Senate, April 29, 2026 (S2107-S2108) · Congressional Record · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
15 U.S.C. 9009a, Grants for shuttered venue operators (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
15 U.S.C. 9009c, Restaurant revitalization grants (U.S. Code, 2024 edition, before this bill) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026
18 U.S.C. 3282, Offenses not capital (the general 5-year limit; U.S. Code, 2024 edition) · U.S. Code (current law) · retrieved Oct 28, 2026

Official summary

Sourced

The Congressional Research Service hasn't published a summary of this bill yet. They usually follow within weeks of introduction.

What has happened

Sourced

May 4, 2026Held at the desk.House floor actions
May 4, 2026Received in the House.House floor actions
May 1, 2026Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
Apr 29, 2026Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2108)Senate
Apr 29, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
Apr 29, 2026The committee substitute withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.Senate
Apr 29, 2026Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2107-2108)Senate
Mar 18, 2026Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.Senate
Feb 25, 2026Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.Senate
Dec 10, 2025Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.Senate
Jul 30, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 134.Senate
Jul 30, 2025Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Ernst with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Senate
Jul 30, 2025Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Ernst with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.Library of Congress
Jul 16, 2025Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
Mar 27, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.Senate
Mar 27, 2025Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

Cosponsors

David McCormick R-PA

SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act

How this bill changes the law

At a glance

What it would mean for you

More time to recover stolen pandemic aid

Honest grant users are not affected

Your senator wrote it

What this bill does not do

Current law vs. the bill

What the bill decides, and what it leaves to others

Written into the bill

Left to agencies or states

Section by section

What changed between versions

Cost

Analysis

Path to law

Balance of power

Coalitions

Precedent

The strongest case on each side

For

Against

Did this make sense?

How this was checked

Sources

Official summary

What has happened

Cosponsors