summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
112th Congress
Bill Summary
Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011 or the REINS Act - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Defines "major rule" as any rule, including an interim final rule, that has resulted in or is likely to result in: (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or U.S. competitiveness. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011 (REINS Act), proposes a significant shift in how federal regulations, referred to as "rules," are implemented. Currently, major rules from executive branch agencies take effect unless Congress actively disapproves them. This bill would reverse that, requiring Congress to actively approve major rules through a joint resolution before they can become law. A "major rule" is defined as one with an annual economic impact of $100 million or more, a substantial increase in costs or prices, or significant negative effects on competition, employment, or U.S. competitiveness. If Congress doesn't pass a joint resolution of approval within 70 session or legislative days after a rule is submitted, it will not take effect. However, the President can allow a major rule to take effect for up to 90 days in cases of imminent threats to health or safety, emergencies, criminal law enforcement, national security, or to implement international trade agreements. The bill also outlines specific procedures for both the House and Senate to consider these joint resolutions of approval for major rules and joint resolutions of disapproval for non-major rules, aiming to increase accountability and transparency in the regulatory process by giving Congress a more direct role in approving significant regulations.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (32)
Kelly Ayotte (R),
John Barrasso (R),
Roy Blunt (R),
John Boozman (R),
Saxby Chambliss (R),
Tom Coburn (R),
John Cornyn (R),
Mike Crapo (R),
Jim DeMint (R),
John Ensign (R),
Michael Enzi (R),
Chuck Grassley (R),
Orrin Hatch (R),
Dean Heller (R),
Kay Hutchison (R),
James Inhofe (R),
Johnny Isakson (R),
Mike Johanns (R),
Ron Johnson (R),
Mike Lee (R),
Joe Manchin (I),
John McCain (R),
Jerry Moran (R),
Rand Paul (R),
Rob Portman (R),
Marco Rubio (R),
Jeff Sessions (R),
Olympia Snowe (R),
John Thune (R),
Pat Toomey (R),
David Vitter (R),
Roger Wicker (R),
Last Action
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-220. (on 07/20/2011)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-bill/299/all-info |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s299is/pdf/BILLS-112s299is.pdf |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112s299is/pdf/BILLS-112s299is.pdf.pdf |
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