WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to introduce theRegulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act to put power back in the people’s hands instead of the administrative state. This legislation would require Congressional approval for federal regulations that will have an annual economic impact of $100 million or more before the proposed rule can take effect.
“D.C. bureaucrats need less power, not more,” said Senator Tuberville. “The Constitution clearly outlines that Congress, not unelected swamp creatures, are supposed to make our laws. This bill compliments the great work Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency are doing to cut wasteful spending and get the government working for the people again. It is vital that Congress reins in Big Government and gives the power back to the American taxpayers.”
U.S. Senators Tuberville and Paul were joined by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in cosponsoring the legislation.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
BACKGROUND:
Under the REINS Act, once major rules are drafted, they must then be affirmatively approved by both chambers of Congress and then signed by the President, satisfying the bicameralism and presentment requirements of the Constitution. Currently, regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves.
The bill defines a “major” rule as one that the Office of Management and Budget determines may result in an economic impact of $100 million or greater each year; “a major increase in costs or prices” for American consumers, government agencies, regions, or industries; or “significant adverse effects” on the economy.
The REINS Act also includes the following changes from the original bill, which was introduced in the past:
- New Defense for Individuals: Individuals can argue that the average person would not have known their actions violated federal law if the statute did not clearly state it.
- Right to Sue: People can sue to stop enforcement if an agency implements a major rule without getting congressional approval.
- LIBERTY Act: Agency guidance with an economic impact of $100 million or more needs congressional approval just like major rules.
- Deregulatory Actions Exempted: Agencies do not need congressional approval to withdraw costly or burdensome rules.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
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