U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:
On behalf of our 3 million members and the 50 million students they serve, we urge you VOTE NO on the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act (H.R. 277) because it would facilitate blocking the implementation of education and other essential government programs. Votes on this issue may be included in NEA’s Report Card for the 118th Congress.
The REINS Act would upend the regulatory process by requiring both chambers of Congress to approve all “major” rules—those with an annual economic impact of $100 million or more. If Congress failed to approve a rule within 70 legislative days or took no action, implementation could not proceed.
These provisions are unnecessary as well as unwise. The Congressional Review Act already allows Congress to halt implementation of regulations; it can also decide not to fund a program. Moreover, the separation of powers is fundamental to our Constitution: the legislative branch creates the programs that the executive branch implements through federal agencies.
The regulatory process is neither simple nor quick—and that is at it should be. The process of formulating regulations, guidance, and rules for implementing federal programs must be informed by the voices of experts, practitioners, and impacted parties, as well as scientific data and other relevant information. In contrast, the REINS Act would facilitate halting or preventing action for any reason—or no reason at all.
Please VOTE NO on the REINS Act.
Sincerely,
Marc Egan
Director of Government Relations
National Education Association
