Gwen Moore Opposes “Regulatory Accountability Act”

Proposes amendment to protect Veterans, Seniors and Low-Income Individuals

 

 

Congresswoman Gwen Moore

 

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) voted in opposition to H.R. 3010, the Regulatory Accountability Act. During debate on the bill Rep. Moore proposed an amendment would ensure that a relevant executive agency considers the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable, at-risk subpopulations, including Veterans, low-income individuals, and the elderly, when considering new action. The amendment was not adopted. The bill passed by a vote of 253-167. She released this statement:

 

“My Republican colleagues continue their sideshow by bringing bill after bill to the House floor claiming that they will create jobs by limiting the size and reach of government, and repealing regulations that help and protect millions of Americans.

 

“Like magicians they try to convince the American public with sleight of hand and deception that the cost to industry far outweighs health and safety protections.

 

“Once we get past all of the flashing lights, smoke and glitter we see that this bill that we are considering today is no different.

 

“HR 3010 would do far more than just simply “modify” the executive rulemaking process. It would require agencies to adopt the least costly regulations, instead of taking the most protective steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of Americans, especially those most vulnerable.

 

“It would also add dozens of new procedural hurdles, without any promise of additional resources, which could tie up agency action for years, when we know that so many Americans desperately need help right now.

 

These tough economic times are hard for everyone, especially those that are disproportionately affected by the economic crisis. We no longer have time for tricks, illusions and silly gags.

 

“We must stop the trickery and come back to reality.

 

“We must agree that it is a good policy for executive agencies to consider our nation’s veterans who, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, face an 11.7 percent unemployment rate which is substantially higher than the national average

 

“We must agree to consider the disproportionately damaging health affects that air pollutants have on our low-income communities as the EPA considers implementing provisions in the bipartisan Clean Air Act.

 

“And we must agree that the executive branch must take into account the needs of our nation’s seniors who have become the subject of a dangerous debate in Washington over the future of entitlement programs.

 

“It’s time to put down the magic wands and pick up our voting cards and support legislation that protects the least of these.”

 

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