Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011

Floor Speech

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Ms. MOORE. Mr. Chair, my amendment to H.R. 3010 is quite simple. It would ensure that an executive agency takes into account the needs of our Nation's most vulnerable, at-risk subpopulations, including veterans, low-income individuals, and the elderly, when considering new action. This so-called Regulatory Accountability Act would undermine at least 25 health and safety rules, which would have a disparate impact on the subpopulations.

The authors of this bill continue this sideshow by bringing bill after bill to this House floor, claiming that they will create jobs by limiting the size and scope and reach of government and by repealing regulations that help and protect millions of Americans--balancing profit over people. Like magicians, they try to convince the American public with sleight of hand and deception that the cost to industry far outweighs the cost of health and safety protections.

Once we get past all of the flashing lights, smoke, and glitter, we see that this bill, like others, that we're considering today is just no different, Mr. Chair.

H.R. 3010 would do far more than simply ``modify'' the executive rulemaking process. It would require agencies to adopt the least costly regulations--a race to the bottom--instead of taking the most protective steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of Americans, especially those who are most vulnerable. It would add dozens of new procedural hurdles without any promise of additional resources. It would tie up agency action for years when we know that so many Americans desperately need help right now.

These tough economic times are hard for everyone, especially those who are disproportionately affected by the economic crisis. We no longer have times for tricks, illusions, or silly gags. Study after study shows us that low-income communities live in the most toxic areas of our country. We must stop this bribery, trickery, and we must come back to reality.

We must agree that it is good policy for executive agencies to consider our Nation's veterans, who, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, face an 11.7 percent unemployment rate, substantially higher than the national average. We must consider the disproportionately damaging health effects that air pollutants have on our low-income communities, on people who can't afford to move to wealthier areas, as the EPA considers implementing provisions in the bipartisan Clean Air Act. We also must agree that the executive branch take into account the needs of our Nation's seniors, who have become the subject of a dangerous debate in Washington over the future of entitlement programs.

It's time to put down the magic wands, to pick up our voting cards and support legislation that protects the least of these.

I would urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. MOORE. Thank you.

President Obama has really curtailed more regulations than George W. Bush, so it is really mistaken that this President has not taken into account the needs of industry; but I think that when you get to a point at which you just want to abolish all regulations in favor of the so-called bottom line, then someone has to draw the line. I think that this amendment draws the line at subjecting those people who are particularly vulnerable--seniors, veterans, and those of low-income--to air pollutants.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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