Rep. Wenstrup Honors Coalition Against Insurance Fraud

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, issued the following speech, which was published in the Congressional Record Nov. 30, honoring the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud on their 25th anniversary:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud on their 25th Anniversary.

The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud represents a wide array of consumer groups, insurance companies, and government agencies in combating all forms of insurance fraud. Among these groups, the Coalition's membership includes several companies from Ohio. Cincinnati Insurance and Great American Insurance are both based in my hometown of Cincinnati. It also includes Nationwide Insurance Company, based in Columbus. These organizations work together through the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud to empower public and private groups against our nation's proliferating fraud problem.

Contrary to popular myth, insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. In fact, common fraud schemes often prey specifically upon the innocent and vulnerable. Fraud causes everyone's insurance premiums to rise, and those who commit fraud are estimated to steal at least $80 billion a year.

I understand the Coalition has helped enact more than 100 state anti- fraud laws and educate millions of Americans on how to protect themselves against damaging schemes. I also understand the Coalition conducts research studies for decision-makers like myself to more effectively target and prevent fraud as we consider relevant policy. I am grateful for the Coalition's efforts to protect Americans from fraud.

Mr. Speaker, I hope you'll join me in congratulating the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud on 25 years of advice, education, and assistance to the American public and lawmakers alike. Truth and honesty matter.