WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s S. 21, the “Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny” (REINS) Act, sending the legislation to the Senate floor. 

“For too long, an ever-growing federal bureaucracy has piled regulations and red tape on the backs of the American people without any approval by Americans’ elected representatives,” said Dr. Paul. “The REINS Act reasserts Congress’ legislative authority and would continue the historic progress we have made this year to curb the damaging effects of overreaching regulations.”   

Dr. Paul’s REINS Act would rein in unelected federal bureaucrats by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people. 

A “major rule” is defined as any federal rule or regulation that may result in 1.) an annual economic impact of $100 million or more, 2.) a major increase in costs or prices for American consumers, or 3.) significant adverse effects on the economy. 

In January, the U.S. House passed Rep. Doug Collins’ (GA) companion legislation, H.R. 26, by a vote of 237-187. 

S. 21 currently has 35 cosponsors. You can read the legislation HERE. 

Support for the REINS Act includes: 

American Chemistry Council

National Association of Home Builders

American Dental Association

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council

Credit Union National Association

National Association of Realtors

Associated Builders and Contractors

American Energy Alliance

National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions

Window and Door Manufacturers Association

Americans for Prosperity

Heritage Action for America

FreedomWorks

National Taxpayers Union