If Congress is to impose regulations and laws on U.S. citizens, it is important that those citizens are made aware of how they come to be. Cutting red tape and opening the regulatory process to scrutiny is an important step in holding government accountable to all Americans.

Therefore, I proudly introduced S.15, the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS Act) on Feb. 26, 2013, as it is designed to increase accountability for and transparency in the Federal regulatory process. A companion REINS Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Todd Young, of Indiana.

I have been working to bring light to more regulatory issues here in the Senate. Last Congress, I hosted a hearing titled "PROPERTY WRONGS: A Discussion With the Victims of the U.S. Government's Assault on Private Property," to bring to light a few of many instances of overreach by federal agencies. Coming to Washington this year it was one of my main goals to take our government back from the unelected bureaucrats who are trampling our freedom and rights. After meeting with several individuals who fell victim to this injustice, I felt compelled to hold a hearing and for them personally to share with Congress their unfortunate experiences. In attendance were 10 witnesses who provided powerful testimonies of regulatory abuse and a dozen Members of Congress who delivered questions and comments.

As a result of that hearing, I introduced two bills, the Freedom from Over-Criminalization and Unjust Seizures Act, and the Defense of Environment and Property Act. Both bills attempt to put reasonable limitations on a government that seeks to target well-intentioned businesses with burdensome regulations. For more information, about these bills, and the REINS Act, click on the links below.

Counteracting excessively burdensome government regulations has become a centerpiece of my tenure here in Washington. All my actions seek to find a balance between environmental, safety and health protection, without compromising the ability of family businesses to flourish.