U.S. Chamber Statement on Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Regulatory Process

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President for the Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs Bill Kovacs issued the following statement today regarding the introduction of the bipartisan Regulatory Accountability Act of 2013:

“Our regulatory process has not been updated in more than six decades, and as a result we are seeing a rising number of massive, costly rules that breed uncertainty, drive up costs, and stifle hiring and investment.

“The Regulatory Accountability Act would restore needed checks and balances to the regulatory process.  This bill would help ensure that new regulations are narrowly tailored, supported by strong and credible data and evidence, and impose the least burden possible, while still implementing Congressional intent. Additionally, it would also provide better mechanisms to hold agencies accountable when they produce regulations that do not meet these requirements.

“The bipartisan introduction of this bill by Senator Portman and Representative Goodlatte and cosponsors Senators Pryor, Collins, Nelson, Cornyn, Manchin, Ayotte, King, and Johanns, and Representatives Peterson, Lamar Smith, Owens, Coble, Schrader, and Bachus, underscores the recognition that we need a regulatory process that works for our economy and job creators, and we will fully support their efforts to move this important bill forward.”

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.