Bill > S299

Introduced Session

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.

Committee Categories

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), 

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 112-220. (on 07/20/2011)

Official Document