U.S. House Votes to Empower Small Businesses in Regulatory Process
Press Release
Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation supported by Congressman Kevin Cramer to give small businesses a stronger voice in the federal regulatory process. The Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act amends current law, such as the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), to ensure agencies adequately analyze proposed rules for their potential impacts on small businesses.
"Small business are responsible for 7 out of 10 new jobs in the United States, but too often federal agencies ignore the regulatory impacts on this lifeblood of our economy. This blind spot was clearly illustrated last year when the Small Business Administration had to plea for the withdrawl of the EPA and Army Corps' Waters of the U.S. rule proposal because of the disastrous effect it would have on small businesses and their employees. We can avoid these situations by requiring agencies to thoroughly examine the direct and indirect impact of their regulations on small businesses," said Cramer.
Alongside a North Dakota small business owner in September of last year, Cramer questioned the EPA's failed analysis of impacts to small businesses as a result of the agency's proposed Clean Power Plan. In October of last year, Cramer commended the SBA's Office of Advocacy for standing up for small business when it directed the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the Waters of the U.S. rule for improperly certifying the impacts the rule would have on small businesses in accordance with the RFA.
Since his election to Congress, Cramer has been a strong advocate for sensible regulation. He has supported successful legislation in the U.S. House including the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would require any rule or regulation with an economic impact of $50 million or greater to be approved by Congress, and the ALERRT Act, which contains similar language to the legislation passed today, and codifies key restrictions against the "sue-and-settle" litigation practices of pro-regulation organizations.
Source