H.R. 7155 — Stop Fraud in Federal Programs Act of 2026

This section increases the maximum term of imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. 666(a)—which prohibits theft, embezzlement, knowing conversion or misapplication, or bribery by agents of organizations or governments receiving in excess of $10,000 annually in federal funds, involving property or transactions valued at $5,000 or more—to 20 years (from 10 years) and replaces the fine amount (previously as provided under title 18, generally up to $250,000) with a "covered amount." It further defines covered amount in new subsection (d)(5) as the greater of $250,000 or twice the value of the property or things of value involved in the offense. (Thus, fines may substantially exceed $250,000 based on the offense's scale.)

This section requires each service institution participating in the Summer Food Service Program—under which eligible entities receive reimbursements for meals served to children 18 and under (or older individuals with disabilities in certain school programs) in areas of poor economic conditions during summer months—to annually audit its accounts and records by a third-party auditor (not the service institution or sponsor organization) that submits results directly to the Secretary of Agriculture.