Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Stop Ever-Growing Bureaucracy, Burdensome Federal Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act alongside Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) and over 170 of his Republican colleagues. This legislation would require every “major rule” proposed by federal agencies be approved by Congress before going into effect.

“Unelected bureaucrats in Washington D.C. have far too much unchecked and unaccountable power over the American people,” said Rep. Newhouse. “It is paramount that Congress fulfills its constitutional mandate and holds our federal agencies accountable. 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.”

Read the full text of the REINS Act here.

Background:

• The REINS Act would require every “major rule” proposed by federal agencies to be approved by Congress before going into effect. 

• “Major rule” is 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. 

• The bill would also provide a procedure for Congress to disapprove of all nonmajor rules. 

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