Sen. Mike Lee advocates for REINS Act to boost congressional oversight

 February 12, 2025

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) is championing a bill aimed at increasing congressional oversight on major federal regulations.

The REINS Act could significantly change how federal laws are created by requiring Congress to approve significant regulations before they can take effect, a move that could help Trump administration reforms remain in effect on a permanent basis, as Breitbart reports.

In a recent appearance on the Alex Marlow Show, Lee pushed for the passage of the REINS Act. This legislation would compel Congress to approve what are classified as "major rules" before they are enacted.

Currently, many regulations that affect everyday American life are developed by government agencies. These rules accumulate into about 100,000 pages in the Federal Register annually, becoming law with minimal legislative scrutiny.

Constitutional Concerns on Legislative Power

Lee described the REINS Act as a critical reform needed to restore legislative authority in line with constitutional standards.

According to him, this process diverts from the Constitution's Article 1, Section 7, which mandates that laws must first pass both chambers of Congress and be approved or vetoed by the President.

He believes the bill would address this inconsistency by strengthening the constitutional mandate that Congress should be responsible for passing laws.

Despite his reservations about increasing the debt ceiling, Lee is willing to support it if it comes with the condition of passing the REINS Act.

Lee expressed that he sees the intertwined nature of these two issues as a potential bargain. "That's why I think it's a bargain worth making," he noted, proposing this as a condition for conversations around increasing the national debt limit.

Economic Implications of the REINS Act

Lee also posited that the proposed law could stimulate economic growth. By curbing the proliferation of regulations, he argued, the economy could save trillions, benefiting the poor and middle class disproportionately. He emphasized that reducing rules created by unelected officials could remove economic barriers and generate economic prosperity.

For some time, Lee has been vocal about the importance of the REINS Act. In conversations with his fellow Republicans in both the House and Senate, he has found considerable support for the legislation. The bipartisan nature of his advocacy has reportedly found traction, indicating potential momentum for the proposal.

Political Support Grows

Lee remarked on the increasing backing that the REINS Act has garnered from public figures and policymakers.

Among its prominent supporters is tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has publicly shared his endorsement of the initiative. The growing list of adherents within political and public spheres adds to the legislation's potential momentum.

Further, public discourse about excessive bureaucratic power has contributed to the visibility of the REINS Act. Lee reiterated that this change is necessary to reinstate congressional control over the legislation.

Challenging Federal Dynamics Emerge

The ongoing discussion addresses a larger issue about the balance of power in federal governance. By advocating for this reform, Lee is challenging how regulations have been created -- with significant influence from the executive branch and less from elected lawmakers.

Though the proposal is still a topic of debate, Lee's commitment to it is unwavering. He reiterated his belief in the need for reform in the legislative process and underscored the importance of the REINS Act.

Potential Pathway for Legislative Change

While challenging, implementing the REINS Act might provide clarity and accountability to the legislative process. The lawmakers’ role in crafting significant regulations could be reaffirmed, ensuring that major regulatory measures reflect the will of elected officials.

This reform effort represents a significant step toward altering legislative dynamics, with proponents like Lee highlighting its necessity for the future. His persistent push signifies a momentous potential shift in how federal regulations are formulated and approved.

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