00:00The witnesses have requested a 15-minute bathroom break, but before we do that, I'm going to go to Dr. Fox for five minutes of questions.
00:08After Dr. Fox, we'll take a 15-minute break for the witnesses, and then we'll start back with Mr. Kassar.
00:15So the chair recognizes Dr. Fox from North Carolina for five minutes.
00:18Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
00:21Governor Walz, as you're aware, Minnesota saw the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the nation.
00:29The so-called nonprofit Feeding Our Future falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals to children, for which it received nearly $250 million in federal funds.
00:43According to the FBI, the $250 million in federal taxpayer money was, quote, funneled into luxury homes, cars, and lavish lifestyles while families struggled.
00:55In March, two individuals were convicted in connection with this case, and I understand related investigation continues.
01:03The FBI stated that, quote, the egregious fraud uncovered in the Feeding Our Future case represents the blatant betrayal of public trust.
01:14The FBI will not allow criminals to rob federal programs and walk away unscathed, will expose their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure they face the full weight of justice.
01:28Do you support the federal government's efforts to bring to justice those who stole federal taxpayer money at the expense of hungry children in your state?
01:37Thank you, Dr. Fox, wholeheartedly.
01:41And this is a great example.
01:42When the federal government works with the state, we reported it.
01:45They prosecuted them.
01:46They are in prison.
01:47So do you support federal efforts to bring to justice those who commit federal crimes in Minnesota?
01:53I most certainly do.
01:55Okay.
01:56Does Minnesota honor ICE detainer request?
02:01Congresswoman, thank you for the question.
02:02I've been making sure I get my opportunity here.
02:05Minnesota follows all federal law.
02:07State law requires, and I would say this, state law requires all state and county facilities to ask for immigration status when a convicted felon is committed and tells DHS if they're undocumented.
02:17All state facilities.
02:19DOC calls DHS before a convicted felon leaves prison.
02:23We have a controlled handover.
02:25How can we be sure that your state is serious about cooperating with the federal government to enforce our immigration laws?
02:32We do it on a daily basis, Congresswoman.
02:36And, again, I say this is the floor.
02:38Counties can do more.
02:39But here's the confusion we have right now.
02:40Last week, a list of supposed sanctuary cities or counties were put out.
02:45Many of those were counties in Minnesota that had gone above and beyond.
02:49Their sheriffs said it put them at risk because they were doing that.
02:53They were sharing information and doing what they're supposed to do.
02:56It's a coordination issue.
02:58But you said in your answer it's only if they've been convicted of crimes that you are.
03:03Or a judicial warrant.
03:05Or a judicial warrant.
03:06That's correct.
03:07After due process has been served.
03:09So you don't cooperate if they're illegally here and ICE comes to get them.
03:17If they have gone through the process, Congresswoman, and they have received due process, and ICE's job is to come and get them.
03:25That's what I've been saying all day.
03:26But if they're here illegally, then they're here illegally.
03:29There's no – they've broken the law already.
03:32That's a given.
03:33Many are here as asylum seekers.
03:36That's a given that they've broken the law.
03:37I have another question to ask you, Governor.
03:40As I've said before in this committee, innocent American taxpayers are collateral damage in the Democrats' pursuit of open border policies.
03:49Americans pay with their wallets, their safety, and all too often their lives.
03:54This is unacceptable.
03:56I'm sure you're aware, Governor, that your state has spent hundreds of millions of state taxpayer dollars to address the surge of illegal aliens in Minnesota.
04:05Are you also aware of any NGOs operating in your state that provide services to illegal aliens, and have those NGOs received any federal funding?
04:17I can't answer that at this time.
04:19I don't have it in front of me.
04:21Well, we have to end the shameful practice of NGOs working against immigration law enforcement efforts.
04:28That's why I introduced H.R. 245, the Grant Integrity and Border Security Act, to stop NGOs who work against U.S. laws from receiving a single cent of taxpayer funds.
04:42Americans should never tolerate a government that uses their own tax money against them.
04:49And, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
04:51General A yields back.
04:52Before we recess, recognize the ranking member for UC.
04:55Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
04:57I ask you to consent to submit an article from the Seattle Times entitled National Service Association Head Tears Into Fed's Sanctuary List.
05:07Without objection, so ordered.
05:09Pursue it to the previous order.
05:10The committee will stand in recess for 15 minutes.
05:13The committee stands in recess.
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