Pandemic watchdog calls the number of investigations into arts and restaurant bailouts 'underwhelming' and 'embarrassing'

"There is no possible way that our office would be able to investigate all of the outstanding referrals and cases that we've received in the SVOG and the RRF program. The scope of the work is such that we would need much more time."

"Business Insider reported in 2023 and 2024 on hundreds of millions of dollars that flowed from SVOG to artists like Lil Wayne, Post Malone, Marshmello, and Nickelback. While those grants may have been legal under the extremely broad language passed by Congress, records showed that some artists spent their taxpayer grants on lavish parties, private jets, and multimillion-dollar bonuses for themselves."

The Small Business Administration's inspector general, William Kirk, testified before the Senate that investigations into fraud related to the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund and $14.6 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant have been inadequate. He stated the office cannot investigate all outstanding referrals and cases within current timeframes, requesting Congress extend the window for bringing charges. High-profile musicians including Lil Wayne, Post Malone, and Marshmello received millions in SVOG grants, with records showing some spent funds on lavish parties, private jets, and substantial personal bonuses. Senator Joni Ernst has championed legislation to extend fraud prosecution deadlines, with recent Senate comments suggesting potential bipartisan progress on advancing the bill.

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