Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-21

EPIDEMIC OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE

EnvironmentSocial Security

Context

On 2026-01-21, Representative Mike Kennedy (R-UT-3) delivered a floor speech titled "EPIDEMIC OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered Social Security.

Full Text

EPIDEMIC OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H1159] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EPIDEMIC OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE (Mr. KENNEDY of Utah asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the epidemic of waste, fraud, and abuse that is ripping off taxpayers with impunity. Too often, Congress forgets that every dollar of government money collected comes from an American who worked hard for it. That is why waste, fraud, and abuse are not abstract problems. They are real problems that hurt real people. When government programs pay twice for the same service, fund projects that never get built, or lose track of billions, taxpayers suffer and confidence in government weakens. We need to honor hardworking families by pursuing the bad actors with a vengeance. Stewardship is our sacred responsibility. We just found out about a case in my own district where an individual was collecting her dead mother's Social Security checks for 3 years. Her blatant fraud was finally discovered, and she was sentenced and ordered to repay $25,000 in restitution. This case is not isolated. The Government Accountability Office estimates that the Federal Government loses up to $521 billion to fraud every single year. The American people expect honesty, fiscal discipline, and respect for their sacrifice. I am proud of the Republican Conference for doing just that. ____________________

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EPIDEMIC OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H1159] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] EPIDEMIC OF WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE (Mr. KENNEDY of Utah asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. KENNEDY of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the epidemic of waste, fraud, and abuse that is ripping off taxpayers with impunity. Too often, Congress forgets that every dollar of government money collected comes from an American who worked hard for it. That is why waste, fraud, and abuse are not abstract problems. They are real problems that hurt real people. When government programs pay twice for the same service, fund projects that never get built, or lose track of billions, taxpayers suffer and confidence in government weakens. We need to honor hardworking families by pursuing the bad actors with a vengeance. Stewardship is our sacred responsibility. We just found out about a case in my own district where an individual was collecting her dead mother's Social Security checks for 3 years. Her blatant fraud was finally discovered, and she was sentenced and ordered to repay $25,000 in restitution. This case is not isolated. The Government Accountability Office estimates that the Federal Government loses up to $521 billion to fraud every single year. The American people expect honesty, fiscal discipline, and respect for their sacrifice. I am proud of the Republican Conference for doing just that. ____________________