Congress has long failed to exercise appropriate oversight for the rules and regulations that legislation authorizes. In an effort to significantly improve transparency and accountability in government, I have introduced the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act (H.R. 3765).
Too often, Congress delegates its constitutional authority for making laws to the executive branch through regulations. In many instances, Congress uses this delegation to delay or avoid accountability for the potentially burdensome impacts of legislation it passes. Under the REINS Act, Congress would be required to affirmatively approve any new major rule proposed by the executive agencies before it can be enforced on the American people.
Last year alone, the executive branch issued 3,006 new rules and regulations. These rules address everything from speed restrictions to reduce the threat of ship collisions with North Atlantic right whales to energy conservation standards for vending machines. Many of those rules are simple and required to ensure the regular operation of our government. However, they also include major rules that can have a staggering impact on our economy. Any rule that may result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, businesses or State and local governments, or significant adverse effects on the economy is defined as a “Major Rule.” In 2008, there were ninety-four “Major Rules.”
Rules and regulations authored by Washington, D.C. bureaucrats can have painful and expensive consequences for families, businesses, and communities in the American heartland. By requiring a vote on every new major rule, the REINS Act will ensure Congress resumes the legislative accountability granted by the Constitution and the responsibility for Congressional decisions intended by our founders.
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October 13, 2009:
REINS Act to Increase Government Accountability
