OPINION:
A recent op-ed in The Washington Times by Ed Feulner (“Onerous effects of overregulation,” Commentary, Feb. 21) urges Congress to cut the excessive, bureaucratic red tape that undermines our economy. Members in the House of Representatives agree with Mr. Feulner, and that’s why we passed three House Judiciary Committee bills in December to help rein in federal regulations and restore accountability to our regulatory process.
The Reins Act requires Congress to take an up-or-down vote on any federal regulation that could cost the economy $100 million. This takes the control for major regulations out of the hands of unelected administration officials and places it in the hands of the people’s representatives in Congress, just as Mr. Feulner suggests. The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act and the Regulatory Accountability Act increase transparency for the rule-making process and require agencies to apprise the public of the cost of new regulations. All three regulatory bills now await action by the Senate.
Mr. Feulner is right. Regulations are stifling economic growth and job creation. The Senate should pass all three House bills to help lift the burden on small businesses and free them to spend more, invest more and produce more. American workers and our economy depend on it.
REP. HOWARD COBLE
Chairman
House Judiciary subcommittee on courts, commercial and administrative law
Washington
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