U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. voted in favor of H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026, according to a statement released on Mar. 20. The bill aims to address fraud and abuse in federal benefit programs by ensuring individuals who exploit these systems illegally are held accountable and removed from the country.
The legislation is intended to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in public assistance programs for families who depend on them. The bill passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 231-186.
“These programs are here to help our most vulnerable, and they are being exploited by individuals who are here illegally and committing fraud, plain and simple,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This bill sends a clear message: if you come to this country and abuse taxpayer-funded programs, there will be real consequences. I’m fighting to protect taxpayer dollars, restore integrity to these programs, and make sure resources go to the hardworking families in Northeastern Pennsylvania who follow the rules.”
According to Bresnahan’s office, the Deporting Fraudsters Act closes what he described as a dangerous loophole that has allowed those convicted of benefit fraud to remain in the United States while continuing to receive immigration benefits. The measure requires federal agencies work together so that offenders face consequences.
For families relying on safety net services such as SNAP or Medicaid, maintaining program integrity is seen as essential for long-term stability. Allowing unchecked abuse threatens both these resources and public confidence.
“Families across NEPA play by the rules, and they rightfully expect their government to do the same,” continued Bresnahan. “I will not tolerate a system where bad actors game the system while honest families struggle to make ends meet. This legislation is about accountability, fairness, and making sure federal programs serve the people they were created for, not those looking to exploit them.”
The full text of H.R. 1958 can be found online.
