Mayor Karen Bass announced she will not be available to testify at a congressional hearing that is examining alleged fraud in the city’s homelessness funding. The hearing is being conducted by a U.S. House subcommittee focused on homelessness assistance and is scheduled for later this week in Washington.
The subcommittee’s inquiry centers on concerns that federal resources allocated for Los Angeles’ homeless programs may have been misused. Lawmakers have expressed interest in determining whether any irregularities have occurred in the distribution of those funds.
Los Angeles’ Homeless Services Authority, the agency that manages billions of dollars in federal aid for the city’s homeless population, is at the heart of the investigation. The authority oversees the allocation of money intended to support shelter, outreach, and housing initiatives across the region.
Mayor Bass, who leads the city’s response to the ongoing homelessness crisis, said her schedule does not permit her to appear before the committee. She did not provide further comment on the specifics of the investigation or the allegations being examined.
Federal officials have indicated that the subcommittee’s review is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability for the substantial federal assistance that has been directed to Los Angeles. The hearing is expected to include testimony from other city officials and representatives of the Homeless Services Authority.
The situation comes as Los Angeles continues to grapple with a significant homeless population, relying heavily on federal funding to sustain its programs. The outcome of the congressional inquiry could have implications for how the city administers future assistance and for oversight mechanisms governing the use of federal dollars.