Thursday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), along with Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and 29 other cosponsors, reintroduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act to increase accountability and transparency in the federal regulatory process.
The REINS Act would rein in unelected federal bureaucrats by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people, as opposed to the status quo, where regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves.
“We have made significant progress reining in costly, job-killing regulations since I first introduced the REINS Act in the House six years ago, but we still have more work to do to protect hardworking Americans. I will continue fighting for the passage of this common-sense legislation in the new Congress,” said Senator Young.
Reiterating current federal law, the bill defines a “major” rule as one that the Office of Management and Budget determines may result in an economic impact of $100 million or greater each year; “a major increase in costs or prices” for American consumers, government agencies, regions, or industries; or “significant adverse effects” on the economy.
By passing the REINS Act, the American people – through their elected officials – will once again have the final say on whether or not such rules are the right course for our future.
In the 115th Congress, the legislation passed the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on May 17, 2017, while the U.S. House passed Rep. Doug Collins’ (R-Ga.) companion legislation by a vote of 237-187 in January 2017.
You can read the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act HERE.
