In a significant development, the House Education and Workforce Committee has issued subpoenas to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These subpoenas are a result of an investigation into their response to what federal prosecutors are calling the largest pandemic fraud schemes in the United States.

NBC News obtained the subpoenas, which demand the turnover of documents related to the oversight of the nonprofit organization called Feeding Our Future. The organization is alleged to have misused millions of dollars intended to provide meals for children during the pandemic.

This investigative effort by the Republican-led committee dates back to 2022, but it has gained renewed attention since Governor Walz was chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate last month. Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the committee, wrote a letter to Governor Walz stating that this information is being requested to determine the extent of his responsibilities and actions in addressing the massive fraud that resulted in the misuse of taxpayer dollars meant for hungry children.

According to a June state audit report, the Minnesota Department of Education failed to properly oversee Feeding Our Future. The audit found that the department's actions and inactions created opportunities for fraud, calling their oversight "inadequate." State education officials are responsible for overseeing federal programs that reimburse organizations like Feeding Our Future for providing free and nutritious meals to children.

Commissioner of Education Willie Jett responded to the audit report, placing the blame on the individuals involved in the scheme. In a written response, Jett described the fraud as a coordinated abuse of nutrition programs, stating that the responsibility lies with the indicted and convicted fraudsters.

Prosecutors have alleged that Feeding Our Future operated more than 250 sites across Minnesota and submitted fraudulent attendance rosters, claiming that fake children were receiving the meals. The U.S. Justice Department has charged 70 individuals in connection with this scheme, with 18 pleading guilty and five being convicted in June.

This is not the first time the committee has requested documents related to this case. In September 2022, when Republicans were in the minority, they initially requested documents from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Once in the majority in 2023, committee chairs followed up with the USDA. In June, they also requested documents from Commissioner Jett.

Rep. Foxx, in accompanying letters with the subpoenas, expressed dissatisfaction with the timeliness and responsiveness of both the USDA and the Minnesota Department of Education in providing requested information.

All entities involved, including Governor Walz, Commissioner Jett, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong, have until September 18 to provide the requested documents, although they are not required to testify.

NBC News has reached out to all the individuals subpoenaed for comment, and further updates will be provided as this investigation unfolds.