WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of an ongoing government investigation into reportedly unlawful actions by Head Start grantees, U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, today called on the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Kathleen Sebelius, to conduct an immediate review of Head Start programs investigated by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The findings of fraudulent actions are part of a recent GAO investigation looking into admissions and eligibility practices at Head Start.
“I have learned of an undercover investigation and upcoming report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that has found reportedly unlawful actions by local Head Start grantees regarding their admissions and eligibility practices. These allegations raise significant concerns about the integrity of the admissions and family eligibility process administered by Head Start grantees,” Miller wrote. “I request that HHS immediately review the grantees identified by the GAO investigation to determine what action is needed to ensure that grantees operating Head Start Programs are complying with the law, including evaluating the appropriateness of the grantee continuing to receive Head Start funds, and determining whether the employees identified by the GAO investigation should be placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.”
In the letter, Miller also announced that he plans to hold a hearing in May to fully explore GAO’s findings.
Head Start has served more than 25 million children since its inception in 1965. There are over one million children enrolled in Head Start programs across the country.
The full text of the letter to Secretary Sebelius is below.
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The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 615-F
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Sebelius:
I have learned of an undercover investigation and upcoming report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that has found reportedly unlawful actions by local Head Start grantees regarding their admissions and eligibility practices.
These allegations raise significant concerns about the integrity of the admissions and family eligibility process administered by Head Start grantees. This issue requires your immediate attention and action.
As fiscal steward of the Head Start program, I know you take seriously the Department’s responsibility to administer and oversee the program with the highest degree of accountability. This investigation appears to have identified a significant weakness in HHS’s oversight and program requirements.
Accordingly, I request that HHS immediately review the grantees identified by the GAO investigation to determine what action is needed to ensure that grantees operating Head Start Programs are complying with the law, including evaluating the appropriateness of the grantee continuing to receive Head Start funds, and determining whether the employees identified by the GAO investigation should be placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
It is my intention to hold a Committee hearing this month to fully explore GAO’s findings. I ask that an official from HHS testify about the steps the Department has taken and the additional steps the Department expects to undertake to ensure the integrity of this vital program. Please feel free to contact me or direct your staff to coordinate your response with Michael Zola, Chief Investigative Counsel and Ruth Friedman, Deputy Director of Education Policy, who can be reached at (202) 22X-XXXX. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
GEORGE MILLER
Chairman
“I have learned of an undercover investigation and upcoming report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that has found reportedly unlawful actions by local Head Start grantees regarding their admissions and eligibility practices. These allegations raise significant concerns about the integrity of the admissions and family eligibility process administered by Head Start grantees,” Miller wrote. “I request that HHS immediately review the grantees identified by the GAO investigation to determine what action is needed to ensure that grantees operating Head Start Programs are complying with the law, including evaluating the appropriateness of the grantee continuing to receive Head Start funds, and determining whether the employees identified by the GAO investigation should be placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.”
In the letter, Miller also announced that he plans to hold a hearing in May to fully explore GAO’s findings.
Head Start has served more than 25 million children since its inception in 1965. There are over one million children enrolled in Head Start programs across the country.
The full text of the letter to Secretary Sebelius is below.
***
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 615-F
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Sebelius:
I have learned of an undercover investigation and upcoming report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that has found reportedly unlawful actions by local Head Start grantees regarding their admissions and eligibility practices.
These allegations raise significant concerns about the integrity of the admissions and family eligibility process administered by Head Start grantees. This issue requires your immediate attention and action.
As fiscal steward of the Head Start program, I know you take seriously the Department’s responsibility to administer and oversee the program with the highest degree of accountability. This investigation appears to have identified a significant weakness in HHS’s oversight and program requirements.
Accordingly, I request that HHS immediately review the grantees identified by the GAO investigation to determine what action is needed to ensure that grantees operating Head Start Programs are complying with the law, including evaluating the appropriateness of the grantee continuing to receive Head Start funds, and determining whether the employees identified by the GAO investigation should be placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
It is my intention to hold a Committee hearing this month to fully explore GAO’s findings. I ask that an official from HHS testify about the steps the Department has taken and the additional steps the Department expects to undertake to ensure the integrity of this vital program. Please feel free to contact me or direct your staff to coordinate your response with Michael Zola, Chief Investigative Counsel and Ruth Friedman, Deputy Director of Education Policy, who can be reached at (202) 22X-XXXX. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
GEORGE MILLER
Chairman
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