US President Donald Trump has called on Congress to introduce tougher penalties for people who defraud Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programmes, including mandatory prison sentences.
Trump made the demand while outlining a proposed legislative package targeting fraud in the federal benefit programmes, saying those convicted should no longer have probation as an option.
“Under our proposal, probation is no longer an option for the fraudsters,” Trump said.
He said the length of prison terms should depend on the amount stolen, while repeat offenders should face doubled sentences.
“If you steal from the American people, you will go to prison and for a long period of time. And the more you steal, the longer you’ll stay in that prison,” Trump said.
The president also proposed penalties for state and local politicians who knowingly allow fraud to continue despite having the authority to stop it.
Under the proposal, politicians who are aware of fraud but fail to act could be held personally liable for the full amount of taxpayers’ money lost, Trump said.
He said the measures would force both fraudsters and public officials to take greater responsibility for losses from the programmes.
“So from now on, fraudsters, we’re watching you,” Trump said.
