PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · May 29, 2026
Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act
This bill extends to 10 years the statute of limitations for federal criminal charges or civil enforcement actions for fraud related to several unemployment insurance programs that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also establishes a task force to locate fraudulent payments and develop strategies to recover such payments.
The extension applies to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The bill extends the statute of limitations for (1) criminal charges related to fraud, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud (currently subject to a 5-year statute of limitations); and (2) civil actions involving false claims (currently subject to a 6-year statute of limitations). However, the bill does not apply to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the applicable statute of limitations expired before the date of the bill's enactment.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The task force established by this bill must
coordinate with state agencies to identify federal pandemic unemployment compensation payments held by financial institutions and other entities or held by state agencies responsible for unclaimed property,
coordinate with federal agencies to develop model processes that result in the cost-effective recovery of such payments,
issue guidance to financial institutions on legal pathways for returning such payments, and
issue guidance to state unclaimed property agencies on their obligation to review and return such payments.
People & committees
Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4269-4270)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4269-4270)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 8873.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4269-4272)
Mr. Smith (MO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 585.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-671.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-671.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 19, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.8873 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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