SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee of Utah has joined Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky in sponsoring the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This proposed legislation mandates that federal regulations with an economic impact exceeding $100 million must undergo a direct vote in Congress, aiming to shift legislative power away from regulatory bodies.

"Without the REINS Act, Americans will continue to live under the tyranny of unelected bureaucrats who effectively make laws but never have to stand for election," stated Senator Lee. He emphasized that this act provides Congress with an opportunity to reclaim its constitutional role in lawmaking and relieve American workers, consumers, businesses, and families from burdensome federal regulations.

The bill has garnered support from several other senators including Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), James Risch (R-WI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO).

Under the REINS Act, major rules must receive approval from both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before taking effect. Currently, such regulations become effective unless specifically disapproved by Congress. The bill classifies a "major" rule as one potentially resulting in an annual economic impact of $100 million or more or causing significant adverse effects on the economy.

Additional provisions within the REINS Act include:

- A new defense for individuals allowing them to argue lack of knowledge if a statute does not clearly state their actions violated federal law.

- The right for individuals to sue if an agency enforces a major rule without congressional approval.

- The LIBERTY Act requiring agency guidance with substantial economic impacts to obtain congressional approval similar to major rules.

- Exemption for deregulatory actions which do not require congressional approval when withdrawing costly or burdensome rules.

Further details about the REINS Act can be accessed online.