GOP bill seeks to block ‘midnight regulations’

The Hill

Republican lawmakers on Thursday unveiled legislation intended to block a burst of last-minute “midnight regulations” from the Obama administration. 

The Midnight Rule Relief Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), would establish a post-election moratorium on new regulations that cost the economy $100 million or more annually.

{mosads}The bill includes exceptions for rules that are necessary for imminent health or safety threats, along with enforcement of criminal laws and national security. Rules that would repeal existing regulations would also be exempt.

“Given the Obama administration’s tendency to over-regulate and overreach, the American people can expect to see a surge of last minute regulations in the President’s waning days in office,” Walberg said in a statement.

“This bill will hold outgoing administrations in check and ensure small businesses in Michigan and across the country aren’t faced with a new onslaught of excessive regulations that stifle wages, job creation, and economic growth.”

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which backs the legislation, said rules passed at the end of an administration typically lack in-depth study or sufficient time for public comment.

“Small business owners struggle to keep up with the constant creation of new regulations,”  said Amanda Austin, NFIB’s vice president of public policy.

“Rushed regulations are even worse for them as agencies often overlook the effect of the new rules on small employers. Agencies shouldn’t be able to cut corners as the clock winds down on the Obama administration.”

 

 

The White House office in charge of reviewing federal regulations has warned agencies against an “end-of-year scramble.”

Tags Barack Obama Midnight regulations National Federation of Independent Business Presidency of Barack Obama Ron Johnson Tim Walberg

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed..

Main Area Top ↴

ovp - video bin

Kelly Rizzo shares details about launching Comfort Club

Kelly Rizzo shares details about launching Comfort ...
Debbie Allen talks 'Grey's Anatony' and her new ...
Fiona Rene shares the unique way she gets into ...
Taylor Krause says her 'brain geunuinely ...
Bethany Joy Lenz opens up about surviving a cult
Dafne Keen shares what it was like on the set of ...
More Videos
Main Area Middle ↴
Main Area Bottom ↴

Most Popular

Load more

Video

See all Video