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Ex-NFL Player Joel Rufus French Sentenced to 16 Years for $197 Million Medicare Fraud

Ex-NFL Player Joel Rufus French Sentenced to 16 Years for $197 Million Medicare Fraud

Joel Rufus French, a former NFL player and NCAA All-American, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a massive Medicare fraud scheme. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that French defrauded Medicare and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs out of $197 million. The scheme involved foreign telemarketers targeting elderly Americans to accept unnecessary orthotic braces, with French obtaining health insurance and personal information from these individuals. He was convicted on charges including conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. French will also pay over $110 million in restitution and forfeit nearly $17 million in assets.
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Congressional Staff and Lobbyists Discuss Key Farm Bill and Trade Issues

Congressional Staff and Lobbyists Discuss Key Farm Bill and Trade Issues

At a recent Agricultural & Food Law Policy Briefing, congressional aides, lobbyists, and lawyers discussed the current state of the farm bill and related agricultural issues. The briefing, held at the Agriculture Department, highlighted concerns about the timing of the farm bill, disruptions in agriculture due to geopolitical tensions, and the need for domestic production improvements. Key topics included the sale of E15 gasoline, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the reorganization of the Agriculture Department. Lobbyists emphasized the importance of passing the farm bill, noting its impact on rural America and the need for bipartisan support.
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Aide to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis Indicted for COVID-19 Fraud

Aide to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis Indicted for COVID-19 Fraud

Gerard Moorer, an aide to U.S. Representative Danny Davis, has been indicted on charges of COVID-19 fraud. Moorer allegedly lied about being unemployed to collect nearly $32,000 in pandemic-related benefits. The indictment accuses him of submitting fraudulent claims to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program while employed as Davis' deputy district director. Moorer faces three counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence. An arraignment is scheduled for May 14.
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Congressional Aide Indicted for COVID-19 Fraud in Chicago

Congressional Aide Indicted for COVID-19 Fraud in Chicago

Gerard Moorer, a congressional aide to U.S. Representative Danny Davis, has been indicted on charges of COVID-19 fraud. Moorer, who served as Davis' deputy district director, is accused of falsely claiming unemployment to receive nearly $32,000 in pandemic-related subsidies. The indictment includes three counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address fraudulent claims made during the pandemic, as authorities continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who exploited relief programs.
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Aide to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis Indicted on COVID-19 Fraud Charges

Aide to U.S. Rep. Danny Davis Indicted on COVID-19 Fraud Charges

Gerard Moorer, an aide to U.S. Representative Danny Davis, has been indicted on federal charges of COVID-19 fraud. Moorer is accused of falsely claiming unemployment to collect nearly $32,000 in pandemic-related benefits while employed as Davis's deputy district director. The indictment includes three counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence. Moorer's arraignment is scheduled for May 14. This case is part of a broader effort by the U.S. attorney's office to address fraud in federal entitlement programs, following similar charges against a Chicago police sergeant.
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Poll Reveals Overwhelming Voter Demand for Congressional Action on Housing Affordability

Poll Reveals Overwhelming Voter Demand for Congressional Action on Housing Affordability

A recent poll conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, in collaboration with Advocus Partners, indicates that 88% of voters believe purchasing a home is more challenging than ever before. The survey, which polled 1,000 voters in late April, highlights a strong demand for congressional intervention to address housing affordability. The poll results come as Congress is considering the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a significant housing reform bill. However, the bill's progress has been complicated by competing priorities from the White House. The poll also reveals that 83% of respondents want Congress to take action to make housing more affordable, with 79% citing housing costs as a major financial burden. Additionally, the poll shows mixed feelings about institutional investors in the housing market, with 70% supporting a ban on investors owning more than 350 single-family homes.
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Tariffs and Price Spikes Threaten Small U.S. Manufacturers, Owners Report

Tariffs and Price Spikes Threaten Small U.S. Manufacturers, Owners Report

Tariffs and Price Spikes Threaten Small U.S. Manufacturers, Owners Report
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Term Limits for Congress Gain Popularity but Face Legal Hurdles

Term Limits for Congress Gain Popularity but Face Legal Hurdles

A recent poll by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion and NPR reveals that 83% of Americans support implementing term limits for Congress. Despite widespread public support, efforts to establish term limits face significant legal challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton requires a constitutional amendment to enact such limits. The poll indicates bipartisan support for term limits, with 78% of Democrats, 89% of Republicans, and 84% of independents in favor. However, the path to implementing term limits remains complex, requiring a two-thirds vote in Congress or a convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.
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Congress Faces Decision on Funding U.S. Air Traffic Management Overhaul

Congress Faces Decision on Funding U.S. Air Traffic Management Overhaul

The U.S. Congress is considering additional funding for a major overhaul of the National Airspace System (NAS), aimed at modernizing air traffic management. The project, which has already received $12.5 billion, seeks to replace outdated infrastructure with modern technology to improve safety and efficiency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are advocating for further investment to complete the transformation.
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US Representative Salud Carbajal Honored for Maritime Industry Support

US Representative Salud Carbajal Honored for Maritime Industry Support

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) has been recognized by the International Propeller Club with the Frank Courtenay 'Salute to Congress' Award. This accolade is given to members of Congress who have shown leadership and support for the American maritime industry. Carbajal has been a staunch advocate for the maritime sector, focusing on protecting the Jones Act, revitalizing the U.S.-flagged fleet, and ensuring competitive ports. His legislative efforts include the Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act, which was signed into law in 2020, and the Small Passenger Vessel Liability Fairness Act in 2022. These laws aim to improve safety and update liability laws for small passenger vessels. Additionally, Carbajal has been involved in addressing supply chain disruptions and strengthening shipping industry oversight, contributing to the Ocean Shipping Reform Act signed into law in 2022.
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Coinbase Faces Revenue Challenges Amid CLARITY Act Optimism

Coinbase Faces Revenue Challenges Amid CLARITY Act Optimism

Coinbase Faces Revenue Challenges Amid CLARITY Act Optimism
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President Trump's Naval Blockade of Iran Raises Congressional Authorization Concerns

President Trump's Naval Blockade of Iran Raises Congressional Authorization Concerns

President Trump has described the U.S. naval blockade of Iran as a 'very friendly blockade,' a characterization that has sparked debate over its legality and implications. The blockade, which restricts Iran's maritime access and commerce, is considered an act of war under international norms. Despite a ceasefire with Iran, the blockade remains in place, and the Trump administration argues that this negates the need for congressional authorization to continue military operations beyond the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Resolution. This resolution, enacted post-Vietnam, requires the president to obtain congressional approval for military actions extending beyond 60 days. As the deadline passed on May 1, Congress has yet to vote on authorizing the continued use of force, with members leaving for a recess instead.