On September 4, 2024, a Republican-led US House committee, chaired by Representative Virginia Foxx, issued a subpoena to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz concerning a significant fraud scheme that misappropriated $250 million from pandemic relief funds intended for child nutrition.

The subpoenas also target the Minnesota Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, highlighting the committee's investigation into the oversight of federal child nutrition programs and the non-profit 'Feeding Our Future', which is accused of stealing these funds.

To date, federal prosecutors have charged a total of 70 individuals connected to this fraud scheme, with 18 having pleaded guilty and five convicted as of June.

Governor Walz has defended the Minnesota Department of Education, acknowledging a need for improved oversight following a state audit that criticized the department for its lack of diligence, which contributed to the fraud.

A spokeswoman for Walz condemned the fraudulent activities as an abuse of a federal COVID-era program and expressed gratitude to the FBI for their cooperation in the investigation.

The investigation began after federal charges were unsealed in September 2022, while Republicans were still in the minority in the House.

Feeding Our Future is alleged to have misappropriated over $250 million in pandemic relief funds meant to provide meals for children during the crisis.

After regaining majority control in 2023, the committee intensified its efforts, pressing for further documentation from the USDA and state officials due to unsatisfactory responses to previous requests.

The subpoenas require the requested documents to be submitted by September 18, but do not mandate in-person testimony from Governor Walz or other officials.

Foxx has accused Walz of being aware of the fraud during his tenure, raising questions about the oversight capabilities of the Minnesota education department under his leadership.

The scrutiny of Walz has increased due to his rising national political profile, especially following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate.

While Minnesota's Education Department has been cooperating with the congressional investigation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture faced criticism for not acting on the state's warnings about the fraud during the Trump administration.