SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation—the Locating the Inefficiencies of Bureaucratic Edicts to Reform and Transform the Economy (LIBERATE) Act and the Promoting Innovation and Offering the Needed Escape from Exhaustive Regulations (PIONEER) Act—to reduce excessive federal regulations and encourage innovation across the economy. Together, these bills aim to streamline federal regulations, remove barriers to innovation, and restore the proper balance of power between the federal government and the American people.

"Federal regulations have become an invisible tax on every American business and consumer," said Senator Lee. "The LIBERATE and PIONEER Acts will work in tandem to roll back excessive and outdated regulations, providing immediate relief and long-term reform. By creating a framework that encourages innovation and reduces unnecessary red tape, we can ensure that the American economy remains the most dynamic and competitive in the world."

The LIBERATE Act establishes a Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force designed to identify and expedite the repeal of burdensome regulations that inhibit global competition, create barriers to entry for startups, increase operational costs, impact energy production, and create unnecessarily lengthy permitting processes.

The PIONEER Act builds on this by creating a federal regulatory sandbox modeled after Utah's successful program. This program allows businesses to innovate freely by temporarily waiving certain regulations. This approach not only encourages business success but also provides lawmakers with the data needed to craft better, more effective regulations in the future.

LIBERATE Act:

- Establishes the Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force, composed of key government and private sector experts.

- Focuses on repealing regulations that stifle competition, increase costs, and slow economic growth.

- Requires the task force to submit quarterly and annual reports to Congress, including a "Special Message" with recommendations for repeal.

The Liberate Act is cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID).

"At the Salt Lake Chamber, we support Senator Lee's initiatives to drive economic growth and foster innovation through the LIBERATE Act and the PIONEER Act. The LIBERATE Act's establishment of the Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force promises to streamline federal regulations, reducing inefficiencies and eliminating barriers to competition that inhibit our businesses. Meanwhile, the PIONEER Act's regulatory sandbox program provides a vital opportunity for businesses to innovate and grow in a controlled environment, balancing regulatory relief with necessary consumer protections. Both pieces of legislation embody a forward-thinking approach that aligns with our commitment to a thriving, dynamic economy. We encourage our federal government to follow Utah's example of regulatory reform and support these bills, creating a modern framework that will unleash the power of the private sector." – Derek Miller, President & CEO of Salt Lake Chamber

“National Taxpayers Union is pleased to support Senator Lee's LIBERATE Act. This legislation would help reduce the burden imposed by excessive regulations that impede entrepreneurship and make it harder for U.S. companies to compete. American businesses should not be burdened by outdated, unnecessary regulations as they strive to create good new jobs. NTU endorses Senator Lee's effort to remove federal barriers to economic growth.” – Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President of National Taxpayers Union

Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Senior Economist Ryan Young said: “Regulations make it difficult to start new businesses or invent new products. They make energy housing more expensive. And there are more than a million regulations already on books. Agencies aren't doing anything about it neither is Congress Sen Lee’s LIBERATE Act would instead create commission identify harmful rules give Congress package repeal This regulatory housekeeping can open opportunities ordinary Americans stimulate economy without new deficit spending”

Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Fred L Smith Fellow in Regulatory Studies Wayne Crews said: “In Washington D.C., regulatory measures are even less restrained than federal spending which has already driven nation into $35 trillion debt overlooked 'hidden tax' regulatory intervention needs addressed same urgency as federal spending particularly President Biden’s broad 'Whole-of-Government' regulatory initiatives must urgently restore balance through increased transparency robust reaffirmation Article I Congressional accountability means putting end regulation without representation Essential steps include establishment regulatory reduction commission outlined Senator Mike Lee’s LIBERATE Act requiring Congress reclaim its legislative authority approving significant new agency rules guidance documents before they take effect”

"Americans know it's too difficult buy home open business even just make living With Senator Lee’s LIBERATE Act Congress will have opportunity begin peeling back regulations restrictions standing way so many Americans’ dreams bipartisan task force this legislation envisions bring together experts entrepreneurs across economy analyze whether many current books worthwhile Once task force decided Congress would quickly remove those don't measure up” - Brent Gardner Chief Government Affairs Officer Americans for Prosperity

PIONEER Act:

- Defines a federal regulatory sandbox allowing businesses innovate without constraints certain regulations up two years

- Establishes Office Regulatory Relief oversee sandbox ensure public health safety

- Provides path businesses renew their regulatory waivers up ten years

"The economy innovation overall hindered outdated regulations limit prohibit new approaches solving problems addressing needs Following lead Utah fifteen other states Senator Lee’s PIONEER Act provides needed hopeful bipartisan solution flexible approach welcomes new ideas better world." – Libertas