House appropriators removed Rep. Ilhan Omar’s $1.46 million earmark for Generation Hope in early January 2026, a dispute that could complicate a $184 billion spending bill ahead of a Jan. 30 shutdown deadline. Republicans led by Rep. Chip Roy challenged the Ilhan Omar earmark, citing potential fraud and management risks. The Generation Hope request became a flashpoint in the government spending package, prompting warnings from Appropriations Chair Tom Cole. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith faced scrutiny, while Senators Joni Ernst and Mike Lee sought a Justice Department review. Minnesota’s recent fraud scandals, including “Feeding Our Future,” and IRS filings on Generation Hope’s short history fueled calls for stricter earmark vetting.
