Rounds calls for greater accountability on excessive federal regulations

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), in seeking to limit burdensome regulations, introduced a bill that would grant the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) the authority to review rules proposed by certain independent federal agencies.

The OIRA Insight, Reform and Accountability Act would give the OIRA statutory authority to review regulations and would codify that authority into a law that could not be rescinded by future presidents.

“Overregulation is a hidden tax that is stifling economic growth and productivity in America,” Rounds said. “Even more concerning, the regulations coming out of Washington are being promulgated by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats, rather than our elected representatives.”

The measure would also direct OIRA to gather input from state, local, tribal governments and the public about the impact of regulations, and to form a working group to explore regulatory issues. The OIRA is a statutory part of the Office of Management and Budget and is the government’s main authority for the review of federal regulations.

“The OIRA Insight, Reform and Accountability Act would bring to light more rules being promulgated by independent agencies and give a stronger voice to state, local and tribal governments in challenging the rules before they are finalized,” Rounds said.

Additionally, OIRA would be required to publish a Unified Agenda twice a year to outline all regulatory actions under review, and agencies would be required to submit significant regulatory actions planned in the upcoming year.

“We believe these measures will increase transparency and help protect South Dakota families from duplicative, unnecessary and overly burdensome federal regulations,” Rounds said.