[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF THE REGULATOR TERM LIMIT ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. TOM CAMPBELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 1996

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that 
will begin to ensure the accountability of our Nation's independent 
regulatory agencies by imposing term limits on their members. In my 
view, any entrenched Government body, whether legislative or 
regulatory, loses accountability and responsiveness. By imposing term 
limits, we will bring independent regulatory commissions in step with 
the current movement to energize Government bodies by turnover, thereby 
making them more accountable to the American citizens.
  The Regulator Term Limit Act of 1996, would limit an individual to 
two terms as a member of any independent regulatory commission. This 
bill had its genesis in the recently enacted ICC Termination Act of 
1995 (Public Law 104-88), in which Congress adopted the suggestion of 
Surface Transportation Board Commissioner Gus A. Owen to limit the STB 
Commissioners to two terms. Mr. Owen, himself a long serving 
Commissioner, saw the need to end the entrenchment which is all too 
common in regulatory agencies.
  Independent regulatory agencies perform quasi-legislative or quasi-
judicial functions. They make their decisions based on findings of 
fact, supported by evidence, and drawn from a record open to public 
scrutiny. To fulfill their mission, independence from the executive or 
legislative branch is essential. Their public accountability, however, 
is frustrated if the decision makers become entrenched. We should 
guarantee their accountability by requiring that Commissioners serve no 
more than two terms. In addition, in the Jeffersonian citizen-
legislator spirit, we will be providing more opportunities for talented 
people to serve their Nation when Commissioners return to private life.
  As original cosponsors, I would like to thank Mr. Clinger, Mr. 
McIntosh, Mr. Packard, Mr. Largent, Mr. Upton, Mr. Castle, Mr. 
Scarborough, Mr. Horn, Mr. Bono, and Mr. Zeliff. Their efforts are much 
appreciated and I look forward to continued input on this bill.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that helps ensure 
good government by preventing the entrenchment of independent 
regulatory commissioners through the imposition of term limits.

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