Rooting Out Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Congresswoman Sykes, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, criticized the Trump Administration’s attacks on scientific research and pressed Department of Justice officials about the Administration’s use of the False Claims Act to target diversity initiatives at universities and research institutions. During the hearing, Congresswoman Sykes questioned a Department of Justice witness about the Trump DOJ’s interpretation of the False Claims Act and its use to investigate federally funded research programs and universities over so-called “illegal DEI” practices. She highlighted the economic importance of federal research investments in Ohio, noting that NASA and National Science Foundation (NSF) funding support scientific discovery, workforce development, and growing industries across the state, including the polymer industry in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. NASA science funding generates more than $56 million in economic impact for every $20 million invested. NSF has invested more than $2.8 million in her district in 2025 alone.