Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today supported legislation to reform the regulatory process and reduce the uncertainty plaguing our economy as a result of the Obama Administration’s excessive regulatory rule writing.  H.R. 185, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015, passed the House by a vote of 250-175.  

“Like many Americans, I have been stunned by the volume and scope of regulations promulgated by the Administration. I consistently hear from Idahoans that these rules are making it more difficult for them to do business and are putting a damper on the economy,” said Simpson. “Our government needs to take a close look at the economic effects of federal mandates, instead of saddling our job-creators and small businesses with more burdensome and costly regulations.”

The Regulatory Accountability Act makes the regulatory process more transparent, agencies more accountable and regulations more cost-effective through the following provisions: 

• Requiring advance notice of proposed major rulemakings to increase public participation and input before costly agency positions are proposed and entrenched.

• Requiring agencies to use the best reasonably obtainable science and choose the lowest cost rulemaking alternative that meets statutory objectives.

• Permitting costlier rules when there are needs to protect public health, safety, or welfare, but requiring the disclosure of the benefits of those rules to justify their additional costs.

• Providing on-the-record but streamlined administrative hearings in the highest-impact rulemakings—those that impose $1 billion or more in annual costs—so interested parties can subject critical evidence to cross-examination.

After passage, H.R. 185 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

In addition to supporting the Regulatory Accountability Act, Simpson is a cosponsor of the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny Act, commonly referred to as the REINS Act.  This legislation would require Congress to approve major regulations by federal agencies, including any regulation that has an impact of more than $100 million.

The total cost of regulations from federal agencies is estimated at $1.86 trillion annually.  “Each year, federal agencies issue thousands of new regulations affecting the entire American economy; this often negatively impacts job growth,” said Simpson. “Congress needs to reestablish its authority to oversee these rules in order to reduce the burden on all businesses and stimulate real economic growth.”

The REINS Act is currently under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee and the House Rules Committee.