Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and state Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify March 4 before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Chair James Comer (R-KY) said Friday, as lawmakers expand a federal probe into alleged fraud and misuse of public funds tied to Minnesota social services programs.
“We look forward to questioning Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison under oath about this scandal to ensure transparency and accountability for the American people, and to advance solutions to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and impose stronger penalties on those who defraud taxpayers,” Comer said in a statement.
The committee has scheduled the session as “Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota: Part II,” set for 10:00 a.m. ET on March 4.
Walz previously testified before Comer’s panel on June 12, 2025 at a hearing focused on “sanctuary” policies and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The new hearing follows a Jan. 6, 2026 Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor report that found the Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Administration “did not comply with most requirements” tested and flagged weaknesses in internal controls meant to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
One example cited by auditors: a grant manager approved a $672,647.78 payment, then left the agency and began working for the grantee.
On Jan. 7, 2026, the Oversight Committee held Part I of its Minnesota fraud series, hearing from Minnesota lawmakers who said warning signs were missed and oversight gaps were exploited.
🚨 BREAKING: Tim Walz and AG Ellison to testify in front of Congress on March 4.@RepJamesComer: "Americans deserve answers about the rampant misuse of taxpayer dollars in Minnesota's social services programs that occurred on Gov. Walz's & Attorney General Ellison's watch." pic.twitter.com/eae5umUGJm
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) January 30, 2026