Tipton: Administration's Implementation of Over 1800 Regulations Violated Transparency Provision

Statement

Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) flagged reports today that the Obama Administration, starting in 2012, implemented over 1800 rules and regulations--including 43 rules identified as major--without first reporting them to the House, Senate and General Accountability Office as required under the 1996 Congressional Review Act. The discovery was made by a retired Congressional Research Services employee who published a study this month on the regulations implemented in violation of the law.

"The infuriating findings of this report show that this Administration is once again demonstrating a complete disregard for transparency. By failing to follow requirements under the law to disclose new rules and regulations, they have in some cases obstructed the people's representatives from providing oversight of Executive Branch rules and regulations that directly impact the economy and Americans' lives. This is once again a betrayal of Americans' trust," said Tipton. "This Administration continues to shirk transparency at seemingly every opportunity, and I am working with my House colleagues to defend the rights of the American people and hold the Administration accountable for its abuse of power. Regulations that were implemented by the Executive Branch without notification as required under the 1996 Congressional Review Act should be overturned and be required to go through the channels established by the law with the chance for transparent and public discussion on their costs and impacts."

The House is voting today on legislation to move forward with a lawsuit against the Executive Branch for failing to implement provisions under the Affordable Care Act.

"The U.S. Constitution has a system of checks and balances so that when one branch of the federal government oversteps its bounds and abuses its power, it is the duty of the other branches to take action," said Tipton. "The House is taking action to rein in this Administration's abuse of power and failure to enforce the laws of the land. The House has also passed the REINS Act to enhance transparency and accountability in the rule-making process by requiring Congressional approval of any regulation with an annual economic impact of over $100 million. This would provide greater regulatory certainty for hardworking Americans, and we continue to urge the Senate to join us in taking action on this commonsense legislation that will strengthen the economy and curb out-of-control bureaucratic expansion in Washington."

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