U.S. Chamber Applauds House Passage of REINS Act

Bill ‘Ensures Agencies Regulate in a More Transparent, Cost-Effective, and Rational Manner,’ Says Josten

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would improve the quality of both Congressional oversight and agency actions and restore the historic relationship between Congress and the federal agencies.

“As the federal government struggles to implement the hundreds of rules that were included in the recent health care overhaul and Dodd-Frank legislation, it’s clear we need to improve the rulemaking process, making it smarter, less-intrusive and accountable,” said Bruce Josten, executive vice president for Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber. “As these rules are proposed and promulgated, they will likely impair, dampen, and distort job creation, economic growth, and investment.  Enactment of the REINS Act could mitigate these adverse effects by ensuring that agencies regulate in a more transparent, cost-effective, and rational manner and that Congress retains ultimate control and accountability for the implementation of the laws it writes.”

The REINS Act returns Congress to its proper role relative to the agencies. Congress would regain its oversight authority over the agencies it creates and that implement powers it delegates to them.  This bill would require both houses of Congress to affirmatively approve, and the president to sign, any new rule with a projected impact to the economy of over $100 million before it could become effective.

“This legislation would begin to restore the balance between Congress and the administrative agencies and help ensure that all branches of the Federal government are accountable to the American people,” continued Josten.  “The REINS Act will finally put an end to the actions of federal agencies that are stifling economic and employment growth.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.