Maine Republicans are pushing back against the response from the Mills administration to an inquiry by the federal government after a watchdog group uncovered $45 million in improper payments made to autism support services.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the administration of Gov. Janet Mills says the spending increase came because of higher reimbursement rates approved by the federal government.

Maine House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham said Tuesday that the response was “inadequate”, “insulting”, and “unprofessional.”

He said Gov. Mills is playing the victim after she said the state is being targeted because it’s under Democratic control.