Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) has joined Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in introducing the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, a bill aimed at increasing congressional oversight over federal regulations with significant economic impact. The proposed legislation would require congressional approval for any major federal rule with an economic effect of $100 million or more before it could take effect.
Currently, regulations implemented by federal agencies automatically become law unless Congress takes action to disapprove them. The REINS Act seeks to change this process by mandating that all major rules be approved by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by the president’s signature—aligning with constitutional bicameralism and presentment requirements.
“The REINS Act will literally rein in our out-of-control administrative state that is harming Alabamians and wasting taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Britt. “Unelected bureaucrats should be responsible for following the laws Congress passes—not usurping Congress through executive rulemakings.”
Under the proposed legislation, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would be responsible for determining whether a regulation qualifies as “major” based on its economic impact. This classification applies to rules projected to generate costs of $100 million or more annually, significantly increase costs for consumers or businesses, or negatively affect the economy.
Senator Paul emphasized the bill’s intent to curb regulatory power. “The whims of an unaccountable administrative state should never rule our lives,” he stated. “For too long, an ever-growing federal bureaucracy has piled regulations and red tape on the backs of the American people without any approval by Americans’ elected representatives.”
Senator Britt previously co-sponsored the REINS Act during the 118th Congress, and the latest version includes additional provisions. One key addition grants individuals the right to challenge in court any major rule implemented without congressional approval. The bill also incorporates the LIBERTY Act, which extends the approval requirement to agency guidance with significant economic impact while exempting agencies from needing approval to rescind costly regulations.
This legislative effort follows Senator Britt’s recent support for the Separation of Powers Restoration Act (SOPRA), introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), which aims to limit judicial deference to agency interpretations of laws. Britt described the initiative as a step toward restoring decision-making power to elected representatives rather than administrative officials.
The REINS Act is expected to face debate in Congress, where opinions differ on the balance between regulatory efficiency and legislative oversight. Proponents argue it enhances accountability and limits executive overreach, while critics may contend that it could slow down the regulatory process and hinder timely responses to economic and public safety concerns.
