Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced the passage of the H.R. 1155 Recovery of Stolen Checks Act in the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation, introduced with Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Congressman David Kustoff, aims to tackle the issue of check fraud by allowing taxpayers to choose direct deposit for replacing lost or stolen federal tax refunds previously issued by paper check.

Malliotakis expressed concern over the theft of tax refund checks, which has caused delays and stress for recipients. She stated, "It's deeply unfortunate that for years seniors and hardworking taxpayers have faced unnecessary hardship and stress after having their tax refund checks stolen in the mail." She highlighted the significant delays constituents have faced, urging the Senate for swift action to send the bill to President Trump's desk.

Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith supported the bill, describing it as a solution to "a growing and costly problem." He emphasized its importance, saying, "It will ensure victims of fraud get the relief they are owed sooner rather than later."

The theft of IRS checks has been notably problematic in Malliotakis' district, with substantial financial losses. Nationally, IRS check thefts saw a drastic increase from 100 in 2022 to around 40,000 in 2024, reflecting widespread financial damage.

Additionally, Malliotakis has introduced H.R. 170, the USPS Subpoena Authority Act. This legislation is designed to empower the USPS with administrative subpoenas to investigate mail theft-related fraud. Last Congress, she engaged with IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to address this issue.