MINNEAPOLIS — Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota did not meet the deadline set by a Minnesota state committee to produce documents related to its investigation into the “Feeding Our Future” fraud scandal.
The Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee took a vote on Tuesday to subpoena the congresswoman but fell short by just one vote.
Minnesota State Rep. Kristin Robbins, a Republican member of the committee, condemned Omar for her lack of response to multiple requests for documents.
“This is one of dozens, if not hundreds of things we are investigating,” Robbins said. “We have had hundreds of whistleblower reports. They continue to come in weekly.”
Robbins accused Omar of showing “continued disdain for the taxpayer” and claimed Omar believed herself above answering for her role in a fraud linked to the MEALS Act she helped pass in March 2020.
“She feels like she’s above having to answer for her involvement in the fraud and her responsibility as a member of Congress who … passed the bill that took the guardrails off the school nutrition program that led to the conditions that enabled Feeding Our Future,” Robbins stated.
Committee members had reached out to Omar several times without receiving a response. At least 65 people have been convicted in connection with the massive fraud ring at Feeding Our Future, which Robbins tied directly to the MEALS Act.
“I do think the subpoena is important,” Robbins added. “Even though the committee will no longer have official hearings, we will continue to investigate these whistleblower reports and webs of fraud.”
Robbins also indicated she plans to urge Republicans in the U.S. Congress to seek a subpoena against Omar next, noting: “It’s still relevant to them because it’s a federal program that’s been swindled.”
The committee has previously raised concerns about Omar’s reported assets, which she revised after months of criticism to significantly lower the amount by millions of dollars. A request for comment from Omar’s office was not immediately responded to.
