On Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, the Democratic side of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee dais remained empty during a hearing titled "Exposing Fraud in America." Republicans questioned witnesses including Nick Shirley, James O’Keefe, and Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, while every Democrat except ranking member Gary Peters, D-Mich., who left before questioning began, was absent.

Republican lawmakers accused Democrats of avoiding a politically sensitive topic. Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., noted that Democrats are typically given time to question witnesses after Republicans, highlighting the absence of Democratic participation.

During the hearing, Shirley and his reporting partner David Hoch discussed investigations into fraud at various largely Somali-owned daycare centers in Minneapolis. Shirley emphasized that fraud disproportionately harms the most vulnerable who depend heavily on government services, referencing a 43-minute video documenting their findings.

Separately, Senator Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., condemned former Special Counsel Jack Smith for allegedly illegally obtaining text messages from 44 members of Congress. Blackburn called for a thorough investigation into the "Arctic Frost" probe, citing concerns over privacy and due process.

The hearing also touched on recent developments in Minnesota, where the daycare organization receiving the highest level of government funding reportedly pleaded guilty to fraud, marking the largest "autism fraud" bust in the state's history. Former Governor Tim Walz announced in January 2026 that he would not seek a third term.

The GOP characterized the Democratic boycott as a refusal to confront fraud issues, with Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner commenting on the optics of the empty Democratic seats.

Sources