Enzi: Time to Shift Power Back into States' Hands

Press Release

States and businesses face thousands of rules, regulations, and unfunded mandates from the federal government every year, unfortunately, they have few options to fight back.

Recently U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., introduced a constitutional amendment to redistribute power to states. Enzi's resolution would give states the authority to repeal any federal regulation or law, which would provide states with the ability to act in the best interest of their citizens.

"States and businesses are often faced with the burden of complying with one-size-fits-all federal regulations. When federal mandates hurt states and local economies, there are few options to help resolve the problem other than the backlogged court system," said Enzi. "This amendment stands up for states' rights and gives them another option to find solutions to regulatory problems. Ultimately, the states know what is best for them and it is time to shift the power back into the states' hands. Even when federal regulations may have good intentions, they can create situations in which they cause more harm than good."

Enzi's amendment would allow federal laws and regulations to be repealed if two-thirds of states -- 34 in total -- pass a resolution to do so. The two-thirds requirement acts as a safeguard to ensure that any repeal has a true bipartisan consensus and that the impact of truly burdensome federal laws and regulations are not left to the courts.

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