Duval Times

Today, Senators Rick Scott and Rand Paul introduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This legislation aims to require congressional approval for any major rule proposed by a federal agency. The initiative seeks to shift power back to the people, addressing concerns about the growth of the administrative state and its financial impact on businesses and families over recent years.

Senators Marsha Blackburn, Katie Britt, Ted Budd, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, Steve Daines, Chuck Grassley, James Lankford, Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis, Bernie Moreno, James Risch, Mike Rounds, Tim Sheehy, Tommy Tuberville and Eric Schmitt are co-sponsoring this legislation.

Senator Rick Scott commented on the situation: “Over the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has grossly expanded the federal government... With President Trump in the White House... I am proud to stand with President Trump and my colleagues to rein in big government..."

Senator Rand Paul also expressed his support: “The whims of an unaccountable administrative state should never rule our lives... By making Congress more accountable for the most costly and intrusive federal rules..."

The REINS Act requires that once major rules are drafted by federal agencies, they must be approved by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President. Currently, regulations take effect unless Congress disapproves them specifically.

A "major" rule is defined as one with an economic impact of $100 million or more annually or causing significant adverse effects on costs or prices for consumers or industries.