Federal fraud faces Senate showdown as Thune taps Ernst to lead reforms after Minnesota scandal

[Minnesota Fraud Exposed](https://www.foxnews.com/category/politics/minnesota-fraud-exposed) Federal fraud faces Senate showdown as Thune taps Ernst to lead reforms after Minnesota scandal Sen. Ernst's upcoming anti-fraud legislation comes as the federal government loses up to $521B annually to fraudulent activities  By [Emma Colton](//www.foxnews.com/person/c/emma-colton) [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/) Published January 14, 2026 9:00am EST | Updated [January 14, 2026 9:31am EST](https://www.foxnews.com/html-sitemap/2026/january/14) * Flipboard [](#)[close](#) [ Video](https://www.foxnews.com/video/6387580328112) #### [Some in Minnesota’s Somali community are ‘professionals’ at defrauding government programs: Rep James Comer](https://www.foxnews.com/video/638758032811... --- *Note: This is a summarized excerpt. Click the source link above to read the full story.*