Goodlatte Shepherds REINS Act Through the House to Control Regulatory Costs and Restore Accountability

Washington, D.C.— The House of Representatives today approved the Regulations From the Executive In Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS Act) (H.R. 427) by a vote of 243-165. This bill, sponsored by Congressman Todd Young (R-Iowa.), curbs unnecessary regulations from agencies and holds federal bureaucrats accountable for imposing the heaviest burdens on America's economy. The REINS Act requires that federal agencies submit major regulations (those that cost the economy $100 million or more) to Congress for approval; guarantees that no major regulation becomes effective until Congress approves it; and requires an expedited up or down vote on major rules within 70 legislative days.

The REINS Act was passed during the previous two Congresses, and reintroduced by Congressman Young this year along with a Senate version of the bill introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky). 

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) praised today's passage of the legislation by the House of Representatives:

Chairman Goodlatte: "Unnecessary regulation imposed by federal bureaucrats hinders job creation and hurts millions of Americans who struggle to secure full-time employment. In 2014 alone, unnecessary regulation imposed an estimated burden of $1.88 trillion, which adds up to approximately $15,000 per U.S. household. Americans simply cannot afford to pick up the tab of federal bureaucrats. Americans deserve an accountable regulatory system.

“The REINS Act frees Americans from unnecessary regulation and offers much-needed relief to the deep economic pain still being experienced by American workers and families. By passing this legislation, the House has approved one of the most powerful measures to check the Obama Administration’s activist regulatory agenda.

“I thank my colleagues for supporting this important legislation and giving Congress, and ultimately the people, a much needed tool to check the Obama Administration and Washington’s regulatory establishment.”

Key provisions of the REINS Act include the following: 

• Requires agencies to submit major regulations to Congress for approval.
• Guarantees no major regulation becomes effective until Congress approves it.
• Guarantees fast up or down votes on major rules—Congress must act within 70 legislative days.
• Provides more accountability for significant regulations on American economy by requiring the people's elected representatives in Congress to approve or deny those regulations.