Vance rallies behind Wisconsin Republicans while promoting fraud task force
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Vice President JD Vance, along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, came to Wisconsin on Wednesday to highlight how the Trump administration says it is working to reduce fraud, waste and abuse. Both also used the visit to endorse Republican candidates running for office in the Badger State.
They did so while making bold claims, with Republicans arguing Democrats are fighting for fraud while Republicans are fighting against it.
Vance endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany, along with other Republicans running in key congressional races.
"When you go to the ballot in November, when you cast your vote," Vice President JD Vance said, "send us people to Washington, D.C., who fight for you and send the crazy people back home where they belong."
The vice president not only endorsed Republican candidates but also highlighted how he is working to combat fraud. President Donald Trump appointed Vance as chair of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
During their time on stage, Vance and Dr. Oz discussed the case of Markita Barnes from Wisconsin.
Barnes was convicted of a health care fraud scheme in March. She stole more than $2 million from a Medicaid benefit program aimed at helping at-risk mothers and children. Barnes owned a Milwaukee prenatal care company.
"Fraud in this space got so severe that in Wisconsin, despite your kindness, this program, this very benefit program that supports these mothers, has had to be cut back on a little bit because the fraud got so bad," said Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Ahead of Vance's visit, Democrats held a virtual news conference. They argued Republican policies are what are causing everyday people to struggle to make ends meet.
"The reality is simple. Donald Trump and JD Vance championed an agenda that has raised costs for working families," said state Rep. Kalan Haywood, the Democratic assistant minority leader. "Congressman Tom Tiffany and Congressman Bryan Steil have rubber-stamped it every step of the way."
Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany said that if he is elected, he will audit the entire state government. However, the state government is already audited by the Legislative Audit Bureau, which is overseen by the Republican-controlled Legislature.