December 12, 2011

Posted by Catherine Boland

On Dec. 7, the House passed the REINS Act, also known as the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.).  The legislation would increase Congress’s authority over the executive branch by making any major regulations subject to Congressional approval.  The bill would also change the process so that major regulations would be contingent on Congressional approval.  If a majority in each chamber does not vote in favor, the regulation would not be carried out.

MEMA recently sent a letter to Rep. Davis supporting this legislation.  MEMA believes the REINS Act will provide necessary congressional oversight of major regulations in order to ensure that regulations will not negatively impact job growth and the economy.  Requiring an up-or-down vote by Congress on major regulations will make the legislature accountable to voters for the costs associated with the regulatory proposal.

The measure passed the House on a 241-to-184 vote, which included the support of four Democrats.  However, the bill’s future is now uncertain as it is unlikely to be taken up by the Senate and beyond that, President Obama has issued a veto threat.  MEMA will continue to be supportive of Congressional efforts to examine and place checks on overly burdensome regulation.  For more information, please contact Catherine Boland.