From Electric Cars to Windows, Republican Bill Could Limit Regulation

The U.S. House of Representatives Republican bill, which is unlikely to become law in its current form, has a provision that could prevent dozens of proposed government regulations so far this year from going into effect. This little-known provision would require Congress to approve all new regulations before they can be activated in industries like window coverings and electric vehicle manufacturing. Regulations provide benchmarks for businesses to follow when meeting federal obligations specific to their trade. However, the process of making these regulations is a slow one, often taking years, and involves public input. 
 
Presidents have implemented regulations as Congress has become more politically gridlocked. The proposed bill requires the legislative body to approve any regulation, whether large or small, prior to being enforced. This “up-or-down” legislative process does not allow for amendments, and any rejected major rule cannot be proposed again for at least one year. Proponents of the bill, known as the “Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny” (REINS) act, believe it would place more responsibility on Congress to be clear about what laws mean, making elected officials more accountable to voters. However, critics of the act suggest it would make it more difficult for the government to create new regulations, leading to a “recipe for stasis”. The act was initially drafted by a Republican congressman from Kentucky over a decade ago.

Author: OpenAI