HR 8873 · Passed House · 07-13-26
Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act
What does the Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act do?
HR 8873 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX). Sets up a federal task force to find and get back pandemic unemployment money that was paid out improperly and is still sitting in banks or with state unclaimed-property offices. It also gives prosecutors more time to bring fraud cases tied to those pandemic unemployment programs. Creates a federal task force to recover improper pandemic unemployment payments held by banks and states, and extends the fraud statute of limitations to 10 years.
Did HR 8873 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 8873 has passed the House.
Status: Passed House
Latest vote: House Passed by voice vote on June 29, 2026
Outlook: Possible
Key provisions
- Pandemic Fund Recovery Task Force
- Task force convened within 30 days of enactment
- Targets improper payments on prepaid debit cards held by banks or states
- Labor Secretary reimburses states for related administrative costs
- Fraud Statute of Limitations
- Extends the fraud prosecution deadline to 10 years
- Covers PUA, FPUC/MEUC, and PEUC unemployment claims
- Does not revive cases whose limitations period already expired
- Coordination and Guidance
- National Recovery Coordinator designated by the Labor Secretary
- Guidance issued to banks and state unclaimed-property offices
- Model notice developed for identity-theft victims
Last updated July 15, 2026