In a move already drawing sharp scrutiny, Virginia Democrat Delegate Jessica Anderson has introduced a one-page bill that could significantly alter how federal taxpayer-funded benefits are administered across the state. The bill seeks to prohibit any state agency from requiring nonprofit organizations to verify the eligibility of individuals applying for federally funded public benefits.
It’s a terse but powerful proposal: “No state agency responsible for the administration of federal funds shall impose a requirement on a nonprofit charitable organization providing a federal public benefit to determine, verify, or otherwise require proof of eligibility of any applicant for such benefits.”
That sentence alone could potentially open the floodgates to unchecked access to federal programs—without any of the safeguards traditionally used to prevent fraud or misuse.
The timing of this legislative push is notable. America’s tolerance for abuse of taxpayer-funded programs is already wearing thin, especially in light of recent high-profile fraud scandals.
Chief among them is the “Feeding Our Future” scheme, in which at least 78 individuals—many connected to Minnesota’s Somali community—were charged for defrauding the federal government of $250 million. Fake invoices, fabricated attendance records, and imaginary meals served to underserved communities were all part of the operation.
That scandal prompted swift federal intervention under the Trump administration, with law enforcement dispatched to Minnesota to root out the widespread corruption. The outrage wasn’t just over the money; it was about the erosion of public trust in systems meant to help those in need.
Yet in Virginia, the momentum seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The newly sworn-in Governor Abigail Spanberger has already enacted progressive policies that have sparked backlash—chief among them a repeal of executive guidance allowing local law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities.
And now, Delegate Anderson’s bill appears to further erode layers of accountability in the name of expanding access. Critics argue that by removing eligibility verification, the state opens itself up to the very kinds of fraud and abuse that have cost American taxpayers billions.
In parallel, President Donald Trump has taken a harder line, recently ending Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals, citing improved conditions in Somalia and the need to “put Americans first.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the move, calling it a necessary step to realign immigration and benefit programs with the rule of law.