[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REGULATIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE IN NEED OF SCRUTINY ACT OF 2015

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2015

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 427) to 
     amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide 
     that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force 
     or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted 
     into law:

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 427, 
the so-called ``Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny 
(REINS) Act of 2015.''
  The REINS Act is yet another attempt by House Republicans to limit 
the ability of federal agencies to enforce commonsense rules and 
regulations. This legislation would require Congressional approval 
before an agency can issue any major new rule. Congress relies on 
agencies to promulgate rules, because they have expertise in a given 
area. However, this bill would require that congressional politics play 
a part in deciding complicated rules and regulations. As a result, this 
legislation is designed to protect special interests while undermining 
the ability of federal agencies from doing their jobs and working to 
ensure there are safeguards in place to protect the public's health and 
safety.
  Moreover, Congress already has considerable power to review and 
reject the rules issued by executive agencies. For the past two 
decades, Congress has had the authority to pass a joint resolution 
disapproving any rule within 60 days of receiving the rule. If the 
President signs the resolution of disapproval, the regulation is not 
implemented. In addition, President Obama has implemented significant 
reforms to the rulemaking process. In January 2010, he signed an 
Executive Order requiring agencies to determine if the benefits of 
proposed rules are justified considering their cost to society.
  At a time when Congress should be doing everything it can to create 
jobs and improve the economy, this bill is nothing but a distraction. I 
urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

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