Should Congress enforce an approval process for major rules provided by the executive branch?
The bill would require Congress to enact a joint resolution of approval before major rules issued by federal agencies can take effect. Under current federal laws, major rules issued by federal agencies can take effect unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of disapproval. Rules considered major are those that are likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or regions; or (3) significant effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
Sponsor: Rep. Kat Cammack (Republican, Florida, District 3)
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Opponents say
• "We oppose the inclusion of the REINS Act because it represents a serious threat to our government’s ability to protect the public from harm. The REINS Act will halt the implementation of critical new public health and safety safeguards, financial reforms, and worker protections — making industry even less accountable to the public. The bill will not improve protections for the American public, but rather, would benefit only those corporations that wish to game the system and evade safety standards." Source: Coalition for Sensible Safeguards
• "The Administration strongly opposes passage of H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023. Agency regulations execute legislation to grow the economy, raise wages, lower costs, reduce gun crime and make our communities safer, keep our air and water clean, promote safe and reliable transportation, and protect workers and families. The Nation faces serious challenges, and this Administration’s policy is to mobilize the power of the Federal Government to address those issues swiftly and effectively. Congress has explicitly charged Federal agencies with the responsibility and the authority to act, but the REINS Act of 2023 would undermine agencies’ efforts by inserting into the regulatory process an unwieldy, unnecessary, and time-consuming hurdle that would prevent implementation of critical safeguards that protect public safety, grow our economy, and advance the public interest." Source: The White House (Press Release)
• "The REINS Act would upend the regulatory process by requiring both chambers of Congress to approve all “major” rules—those with an annual economic impact of $100 million or more. If Congress failed to approve a rule within 70 legislative days or took no action, implementation could not proceed. These provisions are unnecessary as well as unwise. The Congressional Review Act already allows Congress to halt implementation of regulations; it can also decide not to fund a program. Moreover, the separation of powers is fundamental to our Constitution: the legislative branch creates the programs that the executive branch implements through federal agencies." Source: Mark Egan (National Education Association)
Proponents say
• "The REINS Act helps give lawmaking power back to Congress instead of the unelected bureaucracy that operates outside the bounds of our Constitution and democratic principles. The legislation would require Congress to approve by vote any regulation with an economic impact of over $100 million. More than 30 organizations, including several state-based groups, also recently sent a letter to Congress, encouraging leadership to pass the REINS Act. Proponents argue it will increase cooperation between government agencies and accountability for members of Congress." Source: Ray Nothstine (Washington Examiner)
• "The REINS Act is a core part of House Republicans' mission to reintroduce government accountability and to restore Congress' role to check the regulatory actions of federal agencies. I'm grateful to the overwhelming support of my colleagues on this bill and look forward to seeing it pass the House this Congress." Source: Kat Cammack (Republican, Florida, District 3)
• "H.R. 277, the REINS Act, puts the people and their representatives back in the driver's seat of federal policymaking. I was proud to be an original co-sponsor on this bill and see it pass the House last week with support from both parties." Source: Rep. Mike Lawler (Democrat, New York, District 17)
