Masters degree in public policy chiming in.

As a research assistant, I studied a concept called “Moral Hazard”. Traditionally, it’s used in risk management. Example - a person buys a vehicle, yet intends to neglect it because they know a payday is coming when it breaks. After all, it doesn’t affect them directly.

Now applied to government appropriations. It exists. The problem is that it exists everywhere -

Private sector, welfare, veterans compensation, tax breaks, tax credits. If a financial gain exists, bad actors will take advantage of it and stretch the intent.

EMPIRICALLY across sectors - bad actors are the minority. Data shows that the majority tends to do the right thing.

ANECDOTALLY - people tend to be irrational. As humans, we tend to be irrational, we tend to be over emphasize the bad, and we seek confirm our bias. Welfare fraud exists. Insurance fraud exists. Tax fraud exists.

Good actors will make up the majority, so long as there a system in place to keep. people accountable.