Since taking office, President Obama has been wielding executive powers like free beer at an open bar. He has created a number of regulations without the consent of Congress. These regulations are costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
In an effort to curb in the president’s dictatorial use of executive power, Rep Geoff Davis, R(KY) first introduced the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2010 of REINS Act 2010, but the measure failed. This year, Rep Davis re-introduced the REINS Act 2011 with the co-sponsorship of over 200 co-sponsors.
On Wednesday, the House passed the REINS Act 2011 by a 241 to 184 vote. The measure will now move to the Senate where the Democrats have vowed to defeat it. And if for some reason it does pass the Senate, President Obama has vowed to veto it since it will take away his dictatorial powers.
One of the main sponsors of the REINS Act was Rep Geoff Davis, R(KY) who sent out the following statement following the House passage of the measure.
Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Geoff Davis’ bill, H.R. 10, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, by a bipartisan vote of 241 to 184.
Congressman Davis said, “The point of the REINS Act is accountability. Each member of Congress must take a stand and be accountable for regulations that will have the greatest impact on our economy. Regulatory compliance costs small businesses an estimated $10,500 per employee annually. At a time of high unemployment, we must do something about this massive burden. No longer would Congress be able to avoid accountability by writing vague laws requiring the benefits up front and leaving the unpopular or costly elements up to the bureaucrats who will write those elements of the law at some later date.
“I want to thank all of the supporters of the REINS Act, especially Speaker Boehner, Chairman Smith, Senator Paul, and the over 200 co-sponsors for their tireless efforts to advance this commonsense legislation.”
Speaker of the House John Boehner said, “Passage of the REINS Act is a significant step towards fulfilling our obligations to the American people outlined in the Pledge to America. The REINS Act will make the regulatory process more open and accountable, and rein in unelected bureaucrats from strangling small businesses in red tape, which will give private sector job creators the confidence they need to grow our economy and hire.”
House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith said, “More than once this year, the President has talked about the dangers that excessive regulations pose to our economy. But unfortunately, his actions speak louder than his words. The Obama administration is preparing numerous regulations that each will cost the economy $1 billion or more per year.
“The American people want job creation, not more regulation. The REINS Act reins in out-of-control federal regulations that burden America’s businesses and job creators. It guarantees that Congress – not unelected agency officials – will be accountable for all new major regulatory costs.”
