Midnight Rules Relief Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Midnight Rules Relief Act, which would halt President Obama's ability to rush through politically motivated regulations during the remainder of his term.

It is clear that this administration will do everything possible to stop President-elect Donald Trump by jamming through as many backdoor regulations as possible before the clock runs out.

Last week, the American people spoke. They made it clear that they want to get our economy moving again. President-elect Trump must have the opportunity to enact policies without regulatory hindrance from the previous administration.

Mr. Speaker, since taking office, the President has ignored Article I of the Constitution and the will of the American people. For the past 8 years, the President has used his pen and phone to create a fourth branch of government, imposing executive orders and Federal rules and regulations to benefit his own radical political agenda.

In 2015 alone, the Federal Government implemented 3,400 regulations on Americans that cost us $1.89 trillion in lost productivity and growth--a cost that averages nearly $15,000 per American household. These regulations from unelected, unaccountable government bureaucrats are unfair and unjust.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Missouri are desperate for greater security and economic opportunity. This comes with elevating, not undermining, the spirit of self-governance for which our Nation was founded.

As a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives--the people's House--we must pass the Midnight Rules Relief Act to ensure that we are protecting the American people from reckless regulations that will continue to cripple our economy and target the pocketbooks of all Americans.

Transparency is critical when we pass important legislation that will directly affect our constituents. If the President has the ability to impose major regulations without the necessary time for congressional scrutiny and oversight, we are not doing our jobs to represent and protect our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I have spent my time in Congress fighting for our families, fighting to repeal regulations that are hindering business growth, and fighting to provide a voice for the voiceless. It is our duty to pass this legislation and continue to fight against the President's irresponsible agenda and give our new President, Donald Trump, the support that he has earned.

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