Staff Reports
A game-changing hearing is on the horizon as members of a House Judiciary Committee subcommittee gear up for a February 11 session, with a focus on reining in the bloated bureaucracy that seems hell-bent on suffocating the American economy with endless regulations. Members of the judiciary are coming out swinging, determined to combat the administrative state that’s been running wild under the current administration.
President Trump, a man known for his dislike of paperwork and red tape, made headlines recently by freezing new regulations through an executive order issued on January 20. In a sign of opposition to bureaucratic overreach, House Republicans are gearing up to push legislation to further control government regulations. An impressive lineup of witnesses including business leaders and research fellows will testify, bringing some much-needed insight to the efforts of this committee as they tackle the administrative mess.
Jim Jordan Readies His Committee For Another Showdown Against Administrative State https://t.co/cdZkTA4QPs
— IJR (@TheIJR) February 4, 2025
The hearing, charmingly titled “Reining in the Administrative State: Regulatory and Administrative Law Reform,” is expected to cover the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, introduced by Republican Representative Kat Cammack of Florida. This piece of legislation aims to ensure that Congress, not shadowy bureaucrats operating behind closed doors, maintains the power to regulate. There’s a clear message being sent: If it doesn’t get the stamp of approval from Congress, it isn’t going to happen.
In a colorful display of bipartisanship, the Supreme Court recently reminded everyone that it is Congress that makes the laws and not an army of unelected officials, via its ruling in Loper Bright. Representative Scott Fitzgerald from Wisconsin is making it clear that more must be done to rein in this unconstitutional power grab. He suggested that rules exceeding statutory authority should be re-evaluated or thrown right out the window.
Additionally, the new proposed legislation will require that any regulation with an annual impact exceeding $100 million receives a thumbs-up from both chambers of Congress and the president before hitting the books. It’s a move that could be revolutionary compared to the current situation, where regulations can be disapproved, but Congress’ hands are tied by the presidential veto—remember the infamous veto by President Biden back in June that caused quite the uproar?
As the Biden administration continues to unveil regulation after regulation—most recently aiming at gas stoves, and even blocking mining efforts in Minnesota—one thing is abundantly clear: The American people are ready for some relief from overreach. With calls for electric vehicles and stringent fuel efficiency regulations being shoved down their throats, many are left scratching their heads, pondering just how far the administrative state can stretch. What it all boils down to is a call for common sense, regulatory sanity, and a government that prioritizes the American people over its own interest in controlling every aspect of life.
