Benishek Backs REINS Act

Press Release

Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01) today voted in support of the "Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2015 (REINS Act)" (H.R. 427), a bill that would require Congress to vote on and the President to sign off on any new major federal regulations.

"Economic growth in Northern Michigan has been restrained by overzealous and unnecessary regulations. From manufacturing plants, to utilities, to mines, burdensome federal rules cost jobs and growth opportunities in our local communities," said Dr. Benishek, who represents the Northern half of the State of Michigan .

Benishek stated the REINS Act will seek to improve the American regulatory climate by requiring an up or down vote on any federal rule that has an annual economic impact of $100 million or more. Currently there are 224 new federal regulations with at least $100 million in economic impact being considered by the Executive Branch.

"Families all across Northern Michigan are directly impacted by Washington bureaucrats who spend their time writing these regulations. Not only are they unnecessary, but even worse, they translate directly into higher costs and fewer jobs for our communities," said Benishek. "I support policies like the REINS Act, because I want to see Northern Michigan grow and thrive-not be bogged down in red tape from Washington that has no real benefit."

Benishek explained the REINS Act will require Congress and the president to make a decision in a timely manner. Under the REINS Act, if Congress and the President do not act within 70 legislative days of the introduction of a new regulation, the regulation will be deemed not approved.

Benishek noted that according to the Small Business Administration, government regulations are estimated to cost the U.S. economy over $1.75 trillion per year. Other economic studies have indicated that eliminating a single Washington regulator grows the American economy by $6.2 million and adds nearly 100 private sector jobs annually.

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