(NEWSnet) — President Joe Biden is asking Congress to approve more than $1.6 billion to investigate coronavirus pandemic-related fraud.

The administration also seeking more time to investigate fraud surrounding government programs and help identify theft victims and those whose identity was stolen.

The Labor Department estimated there was $164 billion in improper unemployment insurance payments.

The U.S. Secret Service last year got back $286 million sent out in fraudulently obtained loans through the Small Business Administration.

Biden is also planning eventually to issue an executive order directing federal agencies on how to take action on identity fraud.

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