E-Newsletter

Regulatory Reform: REINS and TRAINs

Regarding regulations, a little less talk and a lot more action; that’s what Washington needs. In the House, we are working on legislation that would create more of a balance in the regulatory process. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act is a bill that would restore congressional accountability of the regulatory process. Over the past decades, Congress has ceded more and more responsibility to the Executive Branch. Nowadays, it seems that many of the federal agencies are essentially legislating, not regulating. No one elects bureaucrats. They elect Congressmen and Congresswomen.

Introduced by Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY), the REINS Act would require Congress to take an up-or-down vote on all new “major rules” from federal agencies (rules that have an annual economic impact of $100 million or more) before they can be enforced. Compliance with many of these rules is costly for state and local governments. According to a study by the Small Business Administration, the annual cost of federal regulations in the United States totaled more than $1.75 trillion in 2008. The REINS Act would improve the regulatory process and put decisions that significantly impact the economy and the American people in the hands of their elected officials.

In the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power we recently passed H.R. 1705, the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act of 2011. The TRAIN Act is part of the American Energy Initiative, the Committee’s plan to rein in the Obama Administration’s regulatory assault on jobs and energy prices. While you and I know it is common sense that the government should closely review any regulations that may impede job growth and economic growth, it’s not always that way in Washington.

The TRAIN Act would establish an interagency committee to conduct a cumulative impact study on a number of actions being proposed by the Administration that would impact energy production and manufacturing in the United States. This Committee would be made up of heads of various federal departments and agencies. Each analysis would include the impacts of these rules and actions on a variety of factors, including U.S. competitiveness, electricity and fuel prices, and employment both in the short and long-term. These reviews are just one way Congress can stop, or at least slow down, burdensome, unnecessary regulations and make sure the federal government gets out of the way of our economic recovery. The TRAIN Act now awaits a vote by the full Energy and Commerce Committee before going to the House floor.

Speaking of a different kind of train, I had the honor of attending the Town of Pulaski’s train station rededication recently. In 2008, a fire destroyed the original station. I am proud of how this community came together to rebuild this historic landmark. Despite the tragic storms this spring that destroyed a number of homes in Pulaski, like the phoenix rising out of the ashes, this new train station represents the resilience and determination of the people of Southwest Virginia to rebuild and grow, even in times of hardship. This weekend I also attended a benefit program for victims of the storms in Glade Spring. While we still hope to receive FEMA assistance, it is encouraging to see the people of Southwest Virginia come together.

Father’s Day

Davis, my 5 year old son, has been missing his time with his Dad, so he came to Washington with me last week. Like Dad, we stayed in the office and he got to see what I do when I’m not at home. Later in the week, the rest of the family came up to attend the annual Congressional Picnic on the White House lawn. The kids had a great time. It’s rare that my official duties are fun for my children. Many Members of Congress have children that are older, but for my children (ages 3, 5, and 11) it is often difficult for them to understand why I’m not home during the week. Like many families, we are always busy, and at times it is difficult to find time to spend together. But it is important that we all make time. As we celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday, I am reminded of the blessing that it is to be a father.

As always, if you have concerns or comments or wish to inquire about legislative issues, feel free to contact my offices. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.