House Democrats Join Republicans to Make Trump's Fraud Enforcement Division Permanent
Over 140 House Democrats voted with Republicans to codify the National Fraud Enforcement Division into law.
A significant number of House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have voted with Republicans to make President Donald Trump's National Fraud Enforcement Division a permanent fixture within the Department of Justice. The bill, which passed the House with an overwhelming 352-72 vote on Wednesday, saw more than 140 Democrats join all Republicans in its support. All 72 opposing votes were cast by Democrats.
The Trump White House initially established the division in January 2026 to combat fraud affecting federal programs and private citizens. The administration has highlighted its actions, including investigations into alleged fraud in Minnesota's social welfare programs, which Vice President JD Vance referred to the division for potential criminal investigation involving Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Despite the bipartisan vote, some Democrats expressed reservations. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., described the legislation as "hardly some kind of great breakthrough," noting that a fraud division already exists within the DOJ. He stated his "tepid support," emphasizing that the bill did not represent a significant advancement in law enforcement but was preferable to other recent legislative proposals.
Republicans, meanwhile, argued for the necessity of strengthening fraud enforcement. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., stated that the bill was not a partisan initiative but a "permanent, nonpartisan commitment" to address wasted taxpayer money and corruption. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., contended that the scale of fraud exposed in Minnesota and other areas run by Democrats suggests a widespread problem.
The debate on the House floor also saw exchanges between Raskin and Van Drew regarding the administration's approach to fraud cases and pardons, with Raskin questioning the handling of fines and restitution for perpetrators. Van Drew maintained that the focus should be on making the executive order a law to benefit the public.