Former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Brett Favre is scheduled to testify before the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday, addressing his alleged involvement in a massive welfare fraud scandal in Mississippi.
The hearing, titled “Reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): States’ Misuse of Welfare Funds Leaves Poor Families Behind,” aims to investigate the misappropriation of at least $77 million in TANF funds meant for low-income families.
J.P. Freire, communications director for the House Ways and Means committee, confirmed Favre’s appearance to ESPN but did not provide further details. Favre’s spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment.
The former Green Bay Packers star has been embroiled in the scandal since 2022, finding himself among dozens of defendants in a civil lawsuit seeking to recoup misused funds.
While Favre has maintained his innocence and faces no criminal charges, he is expected to face pointed questions about his involvement in two high-profile projects.
One focus of inquiry will likely be Favre’s advocacy for state funding of a volleyball facility at his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, during the time his daughter played for the team. Text messages made public in legal filings show Favre pushing state officials for funding. The university’s athletic foundation received $5 million in TANF funds, while Favre personally contributed $1.4 million to the project.
Another area of scrutiny is Favre’s role as the top outside investor in Prevacus, a company developing a concussion drug. Text messages indicate Favre sought help from state officials to secure funding for Prevacus, which received $2 million in welfare funds. The company’s founder, Jacob VanLandingham, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in July, admitting to misusing Mississippi welfare money to pay off personal debts.
Additionally, Favre received $1.1 million from TANF funds for speeches that the state auditor claims were never delivered. While Favre has repaid this amount, he faces demands to pay an additional $228,000 in interest.
“I will not appear to anything that is unlawful, and I have not broken the law,” Favre previously stated, maintaining his position that he was unaware of any wrongdoing.
The congressional hearing is expected to address broader issues of welfare reform and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds.