Today, U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) voted in favor of H.R. 10, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would require both Congress and the President to sign-off on all major federal regulations that cost businesses over $100 million annually. The House passed the measure 241-184 and H.R. 10 now awaits consideration by the Senate.

“In this ailing economy, job growth continues to remain my number one priority,” states Rogers. “With unemployment rates at an all time high, we must cut the red tape that’s strangling farm families, mine operators, and small businesses and forcing Americans out of work. I applaud Kentucky’s own Congressman Geoff Davis for his tireless effort to win passage of the REINS Act, which stops the onslaught of federal regulations and gives our job creators confidence to hire Kentucky workers and spend more, invest more, and produce more. This commonsense legislation is a win-win and will put us one step closer towards restoring our economy.”

 

Today, America’s job creators have become buried under an estimated $1.75 trillion regulatory burden, and yet in 2010 and 2011, the Obama Administration introduced 410 new major rules that have cast additional uncertainty into an already unstable economy. A “major rule” is one which would have an annual economic impact of $100 million or more. The REINS Act would prohibit many of these ill-conceived job killing regulations from moving forward by requiring Congress to take an up-or-down, stand-alone vote on all new major rules before they can be enforced on the American people, job creators, or state and local governments. The approval resolution must move through Congress within seventy legislative days to ensure there is certainty in the process and regulations do not linger without approval.

 

The REINS Act is a key part of the House Republicans’ jobs agenda. Rogers has supported  twenty six bills focused on removing government barriers – excessive regulations, the threat of tax hikes, and ‘stimulus’ spending policies – that are hurting job growth. None of them has been considered by the U.S. Senate. 

 

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

 

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