• In recent months, there has been a common theme in Washington. Government agencies have abused their power, imposed unnecessary regulations and wasted millions in taxpayer dollars. With a growing list of abuses by federal agencies, South Dakotans are rapidly losing trust in their government.
• Here in the House, we decided it was time to act. We designated July 29 - August 2 as "Stop Government Abuse Week." We debated and passed a handful of bills that limit the power of federal agencies and instead empower individuals.
• Each year, federal agencies issue hundreds of regulations - regulations which go into effect without ever receiving a vote or fair debate in Congress.  In fact, a study by the Small Business Administration found that annual regulatory compliance costs in the United States hit $1.75 trillion in 2008. Too often, major decisions are made by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats who fail to understand how a regulation will impact families and businesses in South Dakota.
• This is why the House passed the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act this week. The REINS Act, which I was proud to cosponsor, is a common-sense bill that requires Congress to take an up-or-down vote on all new

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