Cortez Masto, Budd Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans from Fraud

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced bipartisan legislation to go after fraudsters who target veterans. The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to ten years in prison for someone convicted of committing or conspiracy to commit fraud that purposefully targeted a veteran.

"Every day, our service members risk everything to protect our homeland and defend our freedoms," said Senator Cortez Masto. "The least we can do when these brave men and women come home is ensure that we protect their financial wellbeing from those bad actors who target them because of their service. With this bill, we can crack down on the fraudsters who try to scam our veterans."

"Our nation's veterans, who bravely served our country in defense of our freedoms, have become the primary targets of criminal fraud schemes. Those who attempt to defraud our service members must face strict criminal penalties for their actions. I am proud to join Senator Cortez Masto to ensure these criminals are held accountable under federal law," said Senator Budd.

Fraud cost veterans, service members, and their families $477 million in 2023. Federal law already includes a sentencing enhancement for fraud crimes targeting seniors, but no similar enhancement exists for fraudsters who target veterans. The Veterans Protection from Fraud Act would deter criminals from attempting to defraud veterans by strengthening penalties for these crimes. This bill's sentencing enhancement would cover fraud related to false documents, fraudulent devices, wire fraud, mail fraud, general fraudulent schemes, bank fraud, and health care fraud.

Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.-02) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

"Veterans put their lives on the line for us at home and abroad. Our duty is to protect them when they return," said Congressman Burchett. "I am proud to have introduced this legislation in the House, and I appreciate Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Budd for protecting our veterans in the Senate."

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

Senator Cortez Masto is a consistent champion for Nevada's service members and veterans. She recently introduced sweeping legislation to improve health care for veterans. Cortez Masto helped pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a 3.8 percent pay raise for veterans. She has worked to support veterans exposed to toxins while serving at the Nevada Test and Training Range. Cortez Masto successfully pushed the Biden administration to approve a new veterans cemetery in Elko, Nevada, and has been continually pushing the VA for transparency in the timeline of its construction. She has fought back against the Navy Federal Credit Union for overcharging service members.

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