Simpson Supports REINS Act to Limit Executive Overreach

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today voted in favor of H.R. 277, the Regulations from the Executives in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023.  This legislation would reassert Congress’ legislative authority and prevent executive overreach in the federal rulemaking process by requiring congressional approval for new “major rules” proposed by federal agencies before they go into effect.

“Americans have grown weary of the Biden Administration’s constant overreach.  From astonishing student debt bailouts, unprecedented ATF restrictions, and EPA overreach harming Idaho’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners, the need to rein in executive overreach is beyond clear,” said Simpson.

Under H.R. 277, a “major rule” is defined as rule that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.  The bill would also preserve Congress' authority to disapprove of a “nonmajor rule” through a joint resolution.

“In addition to causing regulatory uncertainty, executive overreach also presents financial burdens for American taxpayers—to the tune of $200 billion in new regulatory costs during President Biden’s first year in office.  This trajectory simply cannot continue, which is why I proudly supported H.R. 277 to bring transparency and accountability back to the federal regulatory process,” said Simpson.

H.R. 277 passed in the House of Representatives on June 14, 2023, by a vote of 221-210.

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