Lankford Subcommittee Examines the Proper Use of Regulatory Guidance by Federal Agencies

Press Release

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), today held a hearing to examine whether federal agencies use regulatory guidance appropriately. Representatives from the Government Accountability Office, Department of Labor and Department of Education testified at the hearing.

"Today's hearing provided dialogue about the use of regulatory guidance by federal agencies," said Lankford. "It is apparent that some agencies aren't following the spirit of the law in regards to its use. Agencies can issue guidance documents to clear up confusion or to provide timely information. But when a small business or farmer receives a complex guidance document that creates new mandates or obligations, that is clearly inconsistent with the law. When agencies do a quick guidance instead of thorough regulations, the American people are left out of the process. Agency guidance should never be a substitute for regulation or law."

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