ICYMI: Costa, McCarthy call for federal investigation into $150k PPP loan given to illegal Reedley Lab

FRESNO, Calif. - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) are calling for a formal federal investigation into how the company linked to the illegal Reedley medical lab received nearly $150,000 in federal COVID-19 relief.

Multiple reports found that Universal Meditech Inc. (UMI)/ Prestige Biotech Inc. received $150,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). UMI is linked to the illegal medical lab where they found 20 infectious diseases including COVID-19, and nearly 1,000 bioengineered mice were found. The loans were awarded in 2020 and 2021 but later forgiven.

“This situation is alarming, and we remain concerned that these illegal activities were reportedly sustained with federal taxpayer dollars intended to assist legitimate businesses as they worked to survive through a global pandemic,” wrote Costa and McCarthy in the letter. “Your attention to this matter is appreciated. We look forward to seeing the PRAC’s swift action to determine whether any wrongdoing has taken place, and if so, recover taxpayer dollars and seek appropriate punishment of the entity and individuals involved.” 

CLICK HERE to see the full letter.