Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, a landmark bill aimed at reining in the administrative state and restoring power to the American people. The legislation would require congressional approval for any major rule proposed by federal agencies, ensuring that elected representatives—not unelected bureaucrats—have the final say on costly and intrusive regulations.
The REINS Act is cosponsored by a coalition of 16 Republican senators, including Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), and Mike Lee (R-UT). The bill seeks to address the exponential growth of federal regulations under the Biden administration, which cost American businesses and families an estimated $1.9 trillion over the past four years.
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Senator Rick Scott emphasized the need to cut through bureaucratic red tape and hold Washington accountable.
“Over the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has grossly expanded the federal government, issuing thousands of rules and burdensome regulations that cost taxpayers a whopping $1.9 trillion,” Scott said. “With President Trump in the White House, it’s time to cut the red tape and get Washington to work for the American people by putting power back in the hands of the American people.”
Senator Rand Paul echoed these sentiments, criticizing the unchecked power of the administrative state.
“The whims of an unaccountable administrative state should never rule our lives,” Paul said. “For too long, an ever-growing federal bureaucracy has piled regulations and red tape on the backs of the American people without any approval by Americans’ elected representatives. The REINS Act would give Kentuckians and all Americans a greater voice in determining whether these major rules are truly in America’s best interests.”
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The REINS Act would fundamentally change how major federal regulations are enacted. Under the bill:
- Congressional Approval Required: Major rules proposed by federal agencies must be affirmatively approved by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President before taking effect.
- Definition of “Major” Rule: A “major” rule is defined as one that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) determines may result in:
- An economic impact of $100 million or more annually.
- A major increase in costs or prices for consumers, government agencies, regions, or industries.
- Significant adverse effects on the economy.
Currently, regulations take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves, a process that rarely occurs. The REINS Act would flip this dynamic, ensuring that Congress actively approves major rules before they are implemented.
The introduction of the REINS Act comes amid growing concerns about the economic impact of federal regulations. According to a report, the Biden administration’s regulatory expansion cost the American economy $1.9 trillion over four years, placing a significant burden on businesses and families.
“The American people deserve to have a voice in how their tax dollars are spent,” Scott said. “This bill is about holding Washington accountable, stopping wasteful spending, and bringing fiscal responsibility back to Congress.”
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The REINS Act has garnered widespread support from Republican lawmakers who view it as a critical step toward reducing federal overreach. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) stated, “The REINS Act is a commonsense solution to rein in the administrative state and ensure that Congress—not unelected bureaucrats—has the final say on major regulations.”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) added, “This bill is about restoring the balance of power and ensuring that the American people have a say in the rules that govern their lives.”
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