A Minnesota legislative committee failed to secure a subpoena for Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) to testify about her ties to a massive fraud scandal involving federal school nutrition programs. The House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, led by Republican Chair Kristin Robbins, sought Omar's cooperation in investigating the alleged fraud linked to the MEALS Act, which she co-sponsored in 2020. The act removed certain safeguards from the federal nutrition program, which Robbins claims created conditions for fraud.
The committee voted on a subpoena Tuesday but fell short of the required two-thirds majority, receiving only five of the six needed votes. Robbins stated the committee would continue investigating whistleblower reports and explore other options, including reaching out to Congress for a federal subpoena. Omar's office has not responded to multiple requests for testimony or documents.
The fraud scheme in question involves the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which federal authorities allege defrauded millions from the federal government. The FBI raided the organization's offices and the home of its executive director in January 2022. Robbins emphasized the committee's ongoing efforts to uncover fraudulent activity and hold accountable those involved.