[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 112 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             INTRODUCTION OF REGULATORY REFORM LEGISLATION

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 1994

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, last month, the Northeast-
Midwest Congressional Coalition Manufacturing Task Force released its 
report on the state of manufacturing in the United States. This report 
contains over 40 recommendations to assist this vital sector of our 
economy. Today, I am introducing comprehensive legislation to 
significantly change the Federal regulatory process, a key component of 
the report.
  The manufacturing task force spent the last year examining barriers 
which inhibit the manufacturing sector and economic growth. As my 
colleagues are aware, one of the most frequently cited obstacles to 
prosperity is the vast scope of regulatory schemes which have created 
the perception of a government hostile to business. Indeed, with the 
Federal Government publishing 69,688 pages of new regulations last 
year, the regulatory process has become so complex that the Federal 
Register now teaches classes just so individuals can better understand 
this rulemaking journal.
  This legislation would require agencies drafting a major new rule to 
complete a regulatory impact analysis. Although President Clinton 
recently announced a change in the regulatory process that could 
increase agency coordination and implementation of timetables, 
additional improvements must be adopted. The first step in this process 
is to reform the Administrative Procedures Act, which governs all 
rulemaking activity undertaken by the Federal Government. Under my 
bill, an agency would be required to complete an assessment of the 
potential impact of its action by completing a detailed checklist found 
in the bill's regulatory impact analysis.
  The regulatory impact analysis will require answers to a series of 
commonsense questions, which include: The number of persons affected by 
the rule; the factual, scientific or technical basis for the agency's 
determination that the regulation will accomplish its intended purpose; 
estimates of compliance costs including paperwork, burdens, fines, 
fees, registration, etc.; any alternative approaches considered by the 
agency or suggested by interested parties and the reasons for their 
rejection; and whether parties may have to retain or utilize lawyers, 
accountants, engineers or other professional consultants in order to 
comply with the regulations.
  By requiring regulators to answer these and other questions, my goal 
is not to eliminate regulations, but to cause regulators and regulated 
parties, to have full knowledge of the likely impact of a regulatory 
action before it is made final.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this 
bipartisan regulatory reform measure.

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