Press Releases

Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) wrote to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence asking them to create a Task Force on Regulatory Relief to address the overly burdensome regulations from federal agencies that are hurting economic and job growth.

Yesterday, President Barack Obama released his semi-annual regulatory agenda, giving insight into what additional regulations the president plans to propose prior to leaving office in January of next year.

“Even in the waning moments of his presidency, President Obama still wants to press forward with the regulatory proposals that have stymied economic growth over the past eight years,” said Hill. “This type of deafness to the negative effects of the administration’s burdensome regulatory policy is —in large part— what galvanized the American people to overwhelmingly support the pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda of House Republicans.”

In the letter, Hill stated: “Since President Obama took office in 2009, federal agencies have issued approximately 600 major regulations costing taxpayers over $100 million each. The current regulatory regime has decimated many of our communities across the country, impacting many middle-income jobs in important industries, particularly our energy industries of oil, gas, and coal. We have also seen these regulations disproportionately impact our Nation’s small businesses that struggle to succeed under the weight of the increased regulation and compliance costs.

“After his inauguration in 1981, President Ronald Reagan established the Task Force on Regulatory Relief, with his Vice President George H.W. Bush at the helm, to help return the Nation to prosperity and productivity with ‘real reform and tangible results’ for the American people. For its charter, the Task Force was tasked with reviewing major regulations proposed by our federal agencies, assessing regulations already on the books for needed changes, and overseeing the development of legislative proposals to address regulatory reform.

“In the House, we worked to pass legislation known as the REINS Act to require Congressional approval of major regulations from our federal agencies to ensure their effectiveness and economic benefits to the American taxpayers. With your election, we have the unique opportunity to effectively review our existing federal regulations and implement common sense proposals to restore our economy, provide more jobs for hardworking Americans, and revitalize our communities.”

Related

Hill Statement on DOL Overtime Rule

Hill Statement on DOL Fiduciary Rule

Hill Votes to Ensure Small Businesses Have a Voice in CFPB Regulations

Hill Highlights CFPB’s Ineffective TRID Implementation at ALTA Conference

Hill Statement on WOTUS Injunction

Hill Statement on TRID Changes