Minnesota AG Ellison Calls House Hearing "A Lot of Bulls---"

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison strongly criticized a U.S. House committee hearing on Thursday. He accused Republican members of spreading falsehoods. The House Oversight Committee met to investigate a massive fraud scandal in Minnesota. The scandal involved a federal food aid program. It led to the theft of an estimated $250 million. During the hearing, Ellison defended his office's prosecution of the case. He argued that Republicans were distorting the facts for political gain. He said their claims contained "a lot of bulls---." Republicans on the committee focused their questions on whether the state government failed to stop the fraud earlier. They also questioned if the state properly used federal funds. Ellison, a Democrat, stated his team has secured convictions against many of the conspirators. He insisted the hearing was an attempt to blame his office for a complex crime. The hearing highlights continued political tension over oversight of federal programs. It also shows the ongoing debate about accountability for the large-scale fraud.