Deregulation and Fraud Investigations

January 9, 2026 Weekly Column BIG Update My bill to protect the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre was signed into law. I’m thankful for the work of tribal leaders from the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to preserve this land for generations to come and for the leadership of Senators Rounds and Thune who helped get this bill across the finish line. I had the honor of attending the ceremony to mark the 135 th anniversary of this tragedy at the Wounded Knee Site on the Pine Ridge Reservation. This year, while the gathering was sorrowful, we could acknowledge that something special happened—our bill became law and tribes have permanent ownership of this land. I’m grateful this important legislation, which honors the lives lost and protects the land, is now law. BIG Idea Under President Biden, home costs increased greatly, monthly mortgages became unattainable for many, and rental prices rose exponentially. The average household pays $16,000 annually in regulatory costs which was exacerbated by the $1.8 trillion in regulations implemented under Biden’s administration. In just one year, Congress and the Trump administration have brought housing-related inflation to a four-year low, and rental prices continue to decline. Just this week, I voted to reduce federal regulations on manufactured homes to improve their affordability. Government regulation should not stand in the way the American Dream. I’m working to end the era of overregulation to lower costs for Americans. BIG News Americans should trust their tax dollars are spent wisely. In Minnesota, federal program fraud is estimated to top $9 billion . This level of abuse is unacceptable and those responsible should be held accountable. This week, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing on this fraud and will continue to evaluate these programs. So far, investigations have found $60 million in Medicaid fraud and more than $1 billion in fraudulent payments intended for housing, autism care, and community support programs. These federal programs are designed to support those who need it most. This is why I’ve been focused on reforming these programs to ensure these dollars are spent wisely and with the greatest impact. Issues : Tribal Affairs Economy Congress