Miami Launches Biometric Technology to Speed ​​Up Security Checks During Peak Season

  

U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer appeared before a House Appropriations Subcommittee in Washington, where she confirmed that her department will conduct a targeted review of the state of Minnesota's unemployment insurance program, amid a growing scandal over alleged irregularities and fraud in the state's human services programs.

The hearing, held on May 15, 2025, was conducted by the subcommittee responsible for overseeing the budgets and operations of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other related agencies. In that context, the Secretary explained that the federal Department of Labor has decided to intervene with a focused audit due to concerns about the misuse of public funds in Minnesota.

In recent months, the state has been under intense political and media scrutiny due to a series of fraud cases that allegedly affected various social assistance programs, sparking concern not only locally but also in Washington. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded greater transparency and stricter controls to prevent funds intended for the most vulnerable sectors from falling into the wrong hands.

Chavez-DeRemer emphasized to the legislators that the objective of the review is not only to detect possible past irregularities but also to strengthen oversight and verification mechanisms to prevent similar situations from recurring in the future. “The integrity of worker support programs is fundamental to maintaining public trust,” she reportedly stated during her appearance.

The review of Minnesota's unemployment insurance program is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen oversight of social programs, at a time when the debate over public spending, administrative efficiency, and combating fraud is at the forefront of the national political agenda.

If the irregularities are confirmed, the case could lead to administrative sanctions, legal proceedings, and a profound restructuring of the state's oversight systems, as well as further intensifying political pressure on local authorities responsible for managing these programs.