“Safeguarding Federal Research Funds: The False Claims Act's Role in Combating Grant Fraud"

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing on June 25, 2026, titled "Safeguarding Federal Research Funds: The False Claims Act's Role in Combating Grant Fraud." The hearing focused on the enforcement of the False Claims Act (FCA) to address fraud in federally funded scientific research, including issues such as failure to disclose foreign funding, falsification of research data, cybersecurity compliance, and the integrity of grant applications. Witnesses from the Department of Justice, National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General, and NASA Office of Inspector General testified about recent FCA settlements, investigative priorities, and challenges in oversight. The committee discussed the importance of whistleblowers, the need for proactive fraud detection including site visits, and concerns about political interference in grant approvals. Several members raised concerns about the impact of enforcement on scientific research and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, while others emphasized the necessity of accountability to protect taxpayer funds and national security. The hearing also addressed the adequacy of current oversight mechanisms and potential gaps in statutory authority to combat grant fraud effectively.