GOP Demands Probe Into Whether AmeriCorps Misspent $144M From Biden ‘rescue plan’; US Customs and Border Protection Officer Charged in $150,000 COVID-19 Fraud Scheme, and other C-Virus related stories

By admin On May 3, 2025

GOP demands probe into whether AmeriCorps misspent $144M from Biden ‘rescue plan’:

The GOP-led House Committee on Education & the Workforce is demanding an investigation into whether AmeriCorps misspent $144 million from the Biden-era American Rescue Plan after Congress tried to claw back that funding.

A watchdog at AmeriCorps, one of the largest federal civil service organizations, had raised concerns about the millions, but the agency insisted it was obligated to spend the money in a bid to head off further review.

Now Education Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) is asking for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate.

“In light of the Inspector General’s analysis, I am concerned that AmeriCorps may have improperly recorded its grant obligations, obligated rescinded ARP funds, and violated the Antideficiency Act or other fiscal laws,” Walberg wrote in a Thursday letter to US Comptroller Gene Dodaro.

“Unfortunately, a lack of financial accountability is a longstanding problem for AmeriCorps, as evidenced by its eight consecutive failed audits. This concerns me.”

Last week, most AmeriCorps staff were put on administrative leave following a review from the Department of Government Efficiency. The Post previously reported that volunteers in its youth program — the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) — were abruptly sent home earlier this month. —>READ MORE HERE

US Customs and Border Protection officer charged in $150,000 COVID-19 fraud scheme:

The Brief

Amer Aldarawsheh was arrested and charged with five counts of wire fraud for allegedly obtaining nearly $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Los Angeles and was released on a $30,000 bond.

If convicted, Aldarawsheh faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count.

LOS ANGELES – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been indicted for allegedly obtaining nearly $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds through fraudulent means for two sham businesses.

What we know

Amer Aldarawsheh, 45, from Moreno Valley, has been charged with five counts of wire fraud related to the fraudulent acquisition of COVID-19 pandemic business-relief loan funds.