Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Chair, I strongly support efforts to make sure that government regulations are not overly burdensome and do not needlessly harm business growth.

In fact the very first piece of legislation I introduced--the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act--sought to help small businesses lower the costs of complying with federal regulations.

But I am very concerned that H.R. 899 goes beyond well intentioned efforts to make the regulatory process more accessible to stakeholders, and instead seeks to give big businesses a voice so loud that it drowns out American consumers.

In particular, Section 10 of the bill, which would allow the private sector exclusive early access to the rulemaking process, will give just one stakeholder unnecessary and unfair influence.

Increasing stakeholder input in the rulemaking process is a worthy goal, and businesses should certainly be a part of that, but we can't govern only on behalf of one stakeholder.

Our government should work for all Americans, not just some.

And we have a responsibility to balance the priorities of our society as a whole with the interests of business.

When we're talking about a rule that governs whether moms and dads in Illinois can have peace of mind that the food their children eat won't make them sick, or that a worker at a manufacturing facility in my district doesn't have to choose between a paycheck and their workplace safety--the stakes could not be higher.

The concerns of these Americans should not matter less than those of corporations seeking to maximize their profits. They deserve a seat at the table as well.

This amendment seeks to level the playing field and improve transparency for all Americans.

It would simply give individuals the same rights provided to corporations under this bill.

I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this common sense, good government amendment that will stand up for the rights of all Americans.

The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.

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