# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 5426

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government handed out billions of dollars in emergency loans to small businesses through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Unfortunately, some people fraudulently obtained these loans they weren't entitled to, and investigators have been working to track down the money and hold people accountable. This bill is a simple fix to make it easier for regular people to report suspected fraud they've discovered.

Here's what the bill does: It requires the Small Business Administration to add a link on their main website that takes people directly to the Inspector General's office fraud reporting page. Right now, if you suspect someone committed fraud to get a COVID loan, you'd have to hunt around the SBA website or know exactly where to go to report it. This bill just makes that process more straightforward by putting a clear link front and center. The SBA has 30 days after the bill becomes law to add this link.

This affects anyone who suspects fraud—whether that's a business owner who knows a competitor lied on their application, an employee who overheard something suspicious, or just a concerned citizen. It's a low-stakes measure that removes a barrier to reporting. The bill doesn't change any laws or create new penalties; it simply makes the existing fraud reporting system easier to find and use. Think of it as putting up a clearer sign pointing people toward where they can report suspected wrongdoing.

To require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to provide a link to resources for submitting reports on suspected fraud relating to certain COVID-19 loans.

Van Duyne, Beth

 <p>This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to include on its primary website a link to resources for reporting fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct, including resources for reporting cases of suspected fraud with respect to certain COVID-19 loans (e.g., Paycheck Protection Program loans).</p> <p>The SBA must publish the link not later than 30 days after the bill is enacted.</p>