House Passes Legislation to Reform Federal Regulatory Process

Press Release

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation cosponsored by Congressman Kevin Cramer to reform the federal regulatory process. The Regulatory Accountability Act would improve the quality of new regulations at the federal level by requiring federal agencies to choose lowest-cost rulemaking alternatives, and increasing transparency.

"This legislation gives Americans a better check against their own government by requiring advance notice of proposed major regulations to increase public input. It also requires agencies to find lower-cost alternative rules when possible, and to clearly demonstrate the additional benefits for any additional cost to the taxpayer," said Cramer.

Cramer also supported a successful amendment to the legislation which requires federal agencies to do a better job assessing the impact of their rules on lower-income populations. Negative consequences of regulation on lower-income families include higher energy costs due to environmental regulations. Cramer said individuals struggling to make ends meet are often unable to afford efficiency improvements to their homes which might earn them tax credits, and instead are forced to pay a higher utility bill.

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