Every major rule proposed by federal agencies would have to be approved by Congress before it could go into effect under legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and more than 170 of his Republican colleagues.
“Unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., have far too much unchecked and unaccountable power over the American people,” Rep. Newhouse said. “It is paramount that Congress fulfills its constitutional mandate and holds our federal agencies accountable.”
The congressman is one of 174 original cosponsors of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2023, H.R. 277, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL).
“The REINS Act would restore Congress’ legislative authority and remove the excessive, costly, and job-killing regulations of the executive branch from off the backs of the American people,” said. Rep. Newhouse.
Under H.R. 277, a major rule would be defined as any federal rule or regulation that may result in: an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
If enacted, H.R. 277 also would provide a procedure for Congress to disapprove of all non-major rules, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Newhouse’s staff.
The purpose of the bill, according to its text, is to increase accountability for and transparency in the federal regulatory process.
“Section 1 of article I of the United States Constitution grants all legislative powers to Congress,” the text says. “Over time, Congress has excessively delegated its constitutional charge while failing to conduct appropriate oversight and retain accountability for the content of the laws it passes.”
By requiring a vote in Congress, the REINS Act would result in more carefully drafted and detailed legislation, an improved regulatory process, and a legislative branch that “is truly accountable to the American people for the laws imposed upon them,” the bill says.