Latest news with #VinceFong
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
SKIM Act would tap in federal law enforcement to handle EBT thefts
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County has been plagued with EBT theft for years. A months-long investigation by 17 News uncovered a Romanian Crime Ring behind the card skimming, but the problem went beyond county lines. '$100,00 dollars a month that were stolen before, prior to 2021,' said Congressman Vince Fong, representing California's 20th District. 'Now we're looking at $10 million being stolen a month.' It seems the state ignored this issue for far too long. 'I have my criticism of the state government,' said Fong. Coroner ID's man shot, killed in south Bakersfield in January Fong said it's time the federal government steps in. Officials presented the 'Stopping Klepto-card and Information Misuse Act'; SKIM Act for its initials on Monday. Tapping in the general attorney and homeland security to fight against welfare fraud. 'We need to tie all the dots together, especially when we have international crime rings that are participating not only within California, or within Kern County, but across state lines,' said Congressman Fong. 'So we have to have the ability for the federal law enforcement agency to coordinate and cooperate with state and local entities. Absolutely not, for the amount that's being stolen, there has to be real teeth to those penalties. We're going to work with the attorney general to raise it to as high as we can…we need it to the point where we can deter this criminal behavior.' Congressman Fong said he hopes bringing national attention to this issue will lead to improving security measures in welfare programs nationwide. The 'SKIM Act' has been presented to the judiciary committee, and if approved, it will be sent to the house for vote. For more on EBT fraud you can the special investigation 'Skimming Scheme,' here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
E&E News
21 hours ago
- Science
- E&E News
Panel sets markup of drone wildfire-fighting legislation
A House committee will vote this week on a bipartisan bill that seeks to boost the use of drones in fighting wildfires. The Science, Space and Technology Committee on Wednesday will mark up the 'Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) Act,' H.R. 390. It would authorize NASA to conduct research under its existing ACERO wildfire program to develop 'advanced aircraft technologies and airspace management efforts to assist in the management, deconfliction, and coordination of aerial assets during wildfire response efforts,' according to bill text. The bill would authorize $15 million for fiscal 2026. Advertisement The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) and co-sponsored by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.). A previous version of the bill, sponsored by then-Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), passed the House in 2024. Garcia lost his bid for reelection.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Rep. Vince Fong introduces SKIM Act to combat EBT fraud
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — For months, KGET has followed the EBT fraud crisis in Kern County. What started out as calls to our newsroom led to the revelation of dozens of victims and thousands of dollars in benefits stolen. The investigation shed light on millions of stolen dollars and a sophisticated Romanian crime ring operating across the county. After countless attempts of asking elected officials for answers, change may be coming from Capitol Hill. Skimming Scheme: The Romanian crime ring stealing EBT benefits in Kern County On Friday, Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) introduced the 'Stopping Klepto-card and Identity Misuse Act' — or SKIM Act. This legislative effort is specifically designed to crack down EBT theft, that is Electronic Benefit Transfer, known as CalFresh and CalWorks in California. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) is a co-sponsor of the bill. Through 17 News' investigation, we uncovered that the California Department of Social Services has lost more than $439 million in EBT benefits since 2021. In the last seven months, more than $2 million in Kern County taxpayer money has been stolen. Ex-Arvin teacher accused of sex with underage student set for hearing next week The SKIM Act directs the U.S. Attorney to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to fight EBT fraud. It also asks sentencing guidelines to be much harder on EBT thieves. The bill also asks the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a report to Congress on their efforts to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and sentence convicted EBT thieves. You can read the SKIM Act in full here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Class of 2025: Stockdale High School valedictorian, Albert Abod
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — 17 News Sunrise celebrated Stockdale High School valedictorian, Albert Abod's achievements and future aspirations. Soon attending University of California, San Diego to study molecular cell biology, Abod hopes to become a doctor like his parents and help make an impact. His awards are as listed below: First in class with a 4.5 GPA ASB President President of PacRim National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society Ford Dream Builder Glendon Rogers Award Vince Fong Congressional Recognition Award Top Scholar Athlete Award Four Years Orchestra Blood Drive Ambassador Kpop and Tinikling Dance Leader Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We leave this place changed': Bakersfield National Cemetery holds remembrance ceremony for Memorial Day
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield National Cemetery held a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. The ceremony was held Saturday, May 24. Dial A Ride closed for Memorial Day Speakers at the event included Congressman Vince Fong, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, Kern County Supervisor Chris Parlier, State Senator Shannon Grove and Colonel Mary Carnduff of Edwards Air Force Base. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
