Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are set to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on March 4. This hearing, organized by Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of welfare fraud within Minnesota. The issue has gained significant attention, tying into broader Republican concerns over the state's immigration policies in Minneapolis.

Chairman Comer expressed his anticipation for the session, stating, "We look forward to questioning Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison under oath about this scandal to ensure transparency and accountability for the American people, and to advance solutions to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and impose stronger penalties on those who defraud taxpayers." Earlier this month, Comer had hinted at the possibility of subpoenas if the officials did not agree to testify voluntarily.

The controversy surrounding the welfare fraud investigation has become a focal point for Republicans, especially amidst heated debates over the administration's immigration operations. Governor Walz, who is also the Democratic nominee for vice president in the 2024 election and has announced he will not seek reelection as governor, previously testified before the same committee in June regarding state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Keith Ellison, who previously served as a Democratic member of Congress before becoming Minnesota's Attorney General, will be joining Gov. Walz in what promises to be a closely watched hearing.

The testimony of these high-ranking state officials is expected to shed light on the complexities of welfare administration and the challenges of immigration at the state level, all while navigating the turbulent waters of partisan politics in Congress.